Journal entry by Joanne Negstad — Jul 9, 2018
Among Joanne's favorite annual Christmas gifts was a large calendar that, each month, included pictures of the granddaughters and the family. She used it to track her appointments, many of which were medical; doctors and therapists. Often she'd remark "I'm so tired of medical appointments."
After her death I began using her calendar. When I turned the page to 'July' for the first time there was no entry in her handwriting. There was only one in June. On Wednesday, June 13, she had noted, 8:20 lab, 9:15 Dr. Dick. Dr. Candace Dick was her cardiologist, who once told her to drink a glass of red wine and eat a dark chocolate everyday. Dr. Dick was a supporter of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) so Joanne would bring her LWR chocolate.
Seeing her final calendar entry mixes my emotions. On the one hand I can appreciate her freedom from endless medical appointments. How, ironic that her last scheduled event would be medical. But, on the other hand, the FINALITY of her last appointment, one that she was not here to keep, drives home the presence of absence.
Blessings,
Al
After her death I began using her calendar. When I turned the page to 'July' for the first time there was no entry in her handwriting. There was only one in June. On Wednesday, June 13, she had noted, 8:20 lab, 9:15 Dr. Dick. Dr. Candace Dick was her cardiologist, who once told her to drink a glass of red wine and eat a dark chocolate everyday. Dr. Dick was a supporter of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) so Joanne would bring her LWR chocolate.
Seeing her final calendar entry mixes my emotions. On the one hand I can appreciate her freedom from endless medical appointments. How, ironic that her last scheduled event would be medical. But, on the other hand, the FINALITY of her last appointment, one that she was not here to keep, drives home the presence of absence.
Blessings,
Al
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