Bittersweet

This week started badly and went down hill from there. Lydia’s week began just after midnight with an intestinal bug that continued through the night. She spent all of Monday in bed recovering. While at home she received a phone call from one of our friends in Bent Tree telling us that our dear friend, Leanne, was in the final stages of her 3 year battle with lung cancer. Since we were scheduled to work, we had arrangements to make before we could leave. Ken and Joanna agreed to sub for us on Wednesday (thanks so much, guys!) and we left on Wednesday morning arriving just after noon.

We went immediately to Leanne and Wayne’s home where several other members of our “posse” had gathered.  It was wonderful to see them all again, but such a gut-wrenching reason for the visit. We spent the rest of the day and evening there and Leanne went home very peacefully at 1 a.m. the next morning. She was such a wonderful friend with a witty and vibrant personality and will leave an indelible memory in the lives of those who were blessed to know her.  God speed, my friend.

We stayed with our friend, Linda Hill, at her beautiful house just up the street from Leanne’s. She is an exceptional hostess and was so gracious in spite of the difficult situation and pain we were all feeling.  She is a retired nurse and was an great help to Leanne and Wayne during the last days. As only Linda could do, she organized a dinner on Thursday night and family and friends gathered to reminisce and support each other. Friends are such a blessing at times like this.

We left Friday morning after a visit with Fran and Les Walters, other posse members, who had been out of town the last few days. We ate a picnic lunch (yet again provided by Wonder Woman Linda Hill!) at a pullover along the Nantahala River and later took a quick stop to watch rafters and kayaks float down the river – brrrr! Guess there’s no way to white water without getting wet.

We arrived home about 5:30 and were greeted by our Cradle friends who made a point to welcome us back and ask about Leanne. Everyone here has been so supportive and caring.  We are reminded again of how blessed we are to be in this place.  Bill and Jan offered dinner which we gratefully accepted. We didn’t stay long after eating since we were fairly “wrung out” by the last few days and were working on Saturday and Sunday. Life goes on and we gave it our best the next couple of days.  Sunday was a little busier than Saturday and that always helps the time go faster.

Lydia is working on a video for Leanne’s memorial service to be held in Bent Tree on June 16.  Going through the pictures is a little tough but remembering all the good times we shared makes it … bittersweet.

‘Till next time ….