It's OK That You're not OK

 This book was recommended by a Gary Allen.

Hi Travis, I was  friends with Jeni since we were kids. First allow me to say I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person. One of my favorite classmates. I lost my mom about two weeks ago and I lost my son almost a year ago so I never really have dealt with all of that and now I'm trying to help my dad get through this. My parents were married 73 years and he's 91 years old. But what I'm gonna say that really it didn't fix it but it kind of helped me understand was reading this book and I wanted to make sure I said something to you about it. A friend of mine lost her husband about two months ago and I talked to her the other day and she said this book really helped her so I wanted to make sure I shared that information with you. Man take care of yourself the best you can and God bless. Your wife was truly an angel from the time I knew her and I knew her about 50 years.
--Gary Allen

I order the book on amazon.

Burn 9 Year Anniversary

June 17, 2017 - 9 Years ago today we were camping with family at John Bryan State Park Campground when I  was burned trying to light the charcoal.

Previously the worst pain I have experienced was on July 30, 2015 with my heart attack.

The pain from having 2nd degree burns on 20% of my body far exceeded the pain from the heart attack.
The one difference with the heart attack was the feeling that I was about to die. We had always been trained as an EMT to ask if the patient was feeling an impending sense of doom. I did not fully understand that question until that day.

The major recovery took until July 20 2015 but the full recovery took years and even today I still experience issues with the burn scars when I am out in the  sun.

When I'm Gone...

 

Old Age

Yellow Flower Pots

Today I filled your yellow flower pots with new flowers. The extended cold spell this past winter took it's toloon the old ones.

I need to get them repainted. I bought the paint but I need the wind to calm down first, then Gina a place to paint them.

Saturday Pool Time

 I was up early on a Saturday, 5:45, got my 3 mile walk in then walked up to Eli's for breakfast.

After breakfast and a shower I spent some time at the pool. This time of the year it is common to be the only one there. Laid out for a while to air dry before going home.

Then I ran some errands, haircut, Paddock Mall, and Walmart for some groceries and to pick up a picture I printed from Google Photos. I found a nice 5x7 wood frame for it. I currently have it sitting on the island since I am not sure where it will end up, maybe in the bedroom or by the TV on the back wall.

                                                   

Grief

I don't know what grief will look like tomorrow.

But I'll face it.

I'll feel it.

As your memory washes over me.

One day at a time.

One wave at a time.

For such a love, grief is the price of admission.

The cost of the human condition.

So, I'll pay it over and over again until I see you again.

The love was worth it.

    -Liz Newman

Magnolia Bloom

The magnolia trees by the front gate have been blooming for a while now but last night was the first that their scent was strong enough to notice.

Woodstock

 

Smile

 I miss your smile
You always had a happy with the world smile

Your favorite Greek fisherman's cap, the Burrito Works Taco restaurant in St Augustine that we always ate at, and your cat eye glasses.