First Posting

Today was an unusual day. Rick and I were talking about blogging on the way home from Minden and I decided to start a blog to write out my thoughts. It would also be helpful for when Michele and Bill get to BC and Litisha gets to China, for them to see how we're doing... so where do I start? BTW... if you have comments, feel free to post them. If you want any back-stories, feel free to email me to ask :)

Sunday night, Gord Widdis died. He was my Dad's best friend. He's worked with him/known him for about 30 years. Him and June, his wife, were at our house a lot growing up, so it's like they're a part of my family. He's been sick for a couple of years. I found out on Monday, when Mom emailed me at work. I was able to get the day off, Rick had a floating day off that he took, and we went to Lindsay for the funeral. I wanted to show my support for June, but also for Mom and Dad. They're more their friends than anything...

Dad did the eulogy. It's the third time I've seen him do one... Uncle John's funeral (his brother), Grandpa's funeral (his father) and now Gord's. He did a good job... he also did - injecting bits of humor into it so that we laugh at the memories that he has of the people and things they did. But always keeping it personal so we know how much the person meant to him. I could tell it was hard for Dad. He doesn't cry often - but he was pretty close to it today, and I honestly don't blame him.

One surprise at the funeral... before it started, Lee-Ann showed up. Pete came, too and they brought Gracie. Mark & Ryan were at school. For those who need a refresh - Lee-Ann is my older sister, Pete her husband and Mark, Ryan and Grace are their children. Lee-Ann isn't talking to me. Today, she didn't even acknowledge me. Pete did. Even Gracie remembered me, although I haven't seen her since August. She looked really cute in an orange sweater and matching sun-hat. The surprise wasn't that Lee-Ann showed up, or even that she didn't acknowledge me (I kind of expect that, even though it still hurts)... Rick told me later that Mom actually said something to Lee-Ann. Mom's been pretty ... good isn't the word... adamant? about keeping out of what's going on with me and Lee-Ann. But as she said goodbye to her, Rick said that Mom said to her "You go say hi to your sister!". Lee-Ann didn't, again, which didn't surprise me, but Mom actually got involved. It's a first, but it showed me that Lee-Ann is being a bitch about it, and Mom's noticing. One more point for Mom. At least I got to see Pete and Grace. I miss the boys though. It aches.

Anyway... back to the funeral. Of the people I recognized, Dwight Goden was there. I used to get him and Gord mixed up when I was growing up. Both of them were BIG guys (they've since lost a lot of weight), with brown hair and a mustache. Dwight's gone grey. But I used to baby-sit his kids. It was nice catching up and seeing what they're up to. Angela is now 21 and is going through to be a doctor of something. Patricia is a corrections officer just like our dad's. I gave him my email address to pass on. I hope they write.

We also stopped at Harry Luchies' wine place. He owns a business that you can go in and make your own wine. It was nice to catch up with him. He is April's father (Doris, his wife wasn't there). April and I were friends growing up, but have lost touch recently. I passed on my email for her as well - again, I hope she writes.

Then we made an impromptu trip to Minden. Rick's parents' business is up there, Limberlost Ltd. We ended up taking them out for dinner at a Chinese food place up there on Hwy 35. Yup, a Chinese Food place in Minden - go figure?! ;) We had a good evening with them too... one day I may post what we talked about, but it's too long of a story to put up now... I need to sleep.

Anyway, that's how we ended up coming home from Minden on a Thursday in the middle of the week. A WORK week no less. My prayers are with June and her and Gord's family. I think of Mom and Dad too, knowing that they'll be ok, but also knowing that Gord will be greatly missed. I'm thinking of doing a memorial page for him on my website (www.vreeshouse.netfirms.com). I'll see what I can do.

Anyway, it's late. It's quarter after midnight right now and I'm up about 7 (depending on how often I hit the snooze button *Grin*). I need to sleep... but the next time something happens, or I have some thoughts to share, I'll post again. Michele and Bill, I hope you made it out of the city ok, and I wish you the best on the first leg of your journey.

Love Vicky