Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude....what else is there? The day began with a family gathering/memorial service, led by Pastor Mary, in my condo. That morphed into a time of conversation and sharing of memories. This was followed by time with L as she helped me review some files and do other odd jobs which we finished off with a shared lunch. Then came coffee with P and S, and P presented me with two original poems, one of which I'll print below. When you read his poem you'll see he has been following Caring Bridge. The day was topped off with attendance at a presentation of Bach's B Minor Mass, which gave me wonderful opportunity to reflect on life with Joanne and all my blessings.
Wrapped around all this have been phone calls, emails, C.B. posts, cards...my mailbox was full today...,text messages, voice messages, and other expressions of compassion and support. How blessed, how blessed, how blessed....and O, how Joanne would have enjoyed it all.
As a part of the memorial service this morning we listened to excerpt of the recording that was made of Joanne when she entered hospice. Among other statements she said, in effect, "how fortunate I am to go like this...I get to say goodbye." It was a very emotional moment but what a gift to be able to hear her voice.
Life in the land of grief has brought me many blessings including my first ever bouquet and today poetry composed for me. One poem has been submitted for publication so I'm not free to reproduce it yet. The other poem is as follows. 😊
" Evidence
(for A.N.)
The butter dish is always empty,
he noticed aloud. Not with any
superior intent. That he noticed
in himself, anyway. But her reply
came quick: and you never put
the toaster cover back on.
It was embarrassing and amusing
as he apologized.
But now these later summer mornings
he carefully puts the cover on.
Not out of guilt exactly,
more a disquiet
to fulfill a request
that only mattered then.
If he responds, she still matters."
P. M. F. Johnson
With all of this you can see why I say that I am blessed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Blessings,
Al
Wrapped around all this have been phone calls, emails, C.B. posts, cards...my mailbox was full today...,text messages, voice messages, and other expressions of compassion and support. How blessed, how blessed, how blessed....and O, how Joanne would have enjoyed it all.
As a part of the memorial service this morning we listened to excerpt of the recording that was made of Joanne when she entered hospice. Among other statements she said, in effect, "how fortunate I am to go like this...I get to say goodbye." It was a very emotional moment but what a gift to be able to hear her voice.
Life in the land of grief has brought me many blessings including my first ever bouquet and today poetry composed for me. One poem has been submitted for publication so I'm not free to reproduce it yet. The other poem is as follows. 😊
" Evidence
(for A.N.)
The butter dish is always empty,
he noticed aloud. Not with any
superior intent. That he noticed
in himself, anyway. But her reply
came quick: and you never put
the toaster cover back on.
It was embarrassing and amusing
as he apologized.
But now these later summer mornings
he carefully puts the cover on.
Not out of guilt exactly,
more a disquiet
to fulfill a request
that only mattered then.
If he responds, she still matters."
P. M. F. Johnson
With all of this you can see why I say that I am blessed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Blessings,
Al
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