Grateful for Friends
August 11, 2025 – Does my brother count too?
I am so grateful for my family and friends. I am in the Lower Mainland… taking my work remotely, but also situating myself so that I can see my dad. My twin bro has been gracious and hospitable to let me stay over on his sofa bed for a few days, and I got to visit with a couple of my friends as a weekend with the girls. We went to Italy together a couple of years ago and we’ve been reconnecting ever since to spend some time together and enjoy each other’s company. Last year we met up at Shuswap Lake. This year, we met up in Langley, BC. It was much like a spa weekend.
My dad is reaching an age where my brother and sister are provided some additional support and care. They are both in the Lower Mainland and my dad is still in very good spirits, but it’s opportunity for me to come visit and see him in person. I just called him this morning to see if he wanted to go for a walk, but I go the subtle “I don’t think I can make it out today” reply. UGH. Damn. I guess that’s it. I’ll try again tomorrow. LOL. I did see him three times already… once for a doctor’s appointment, a second time for a walk and coffee, and yesterday for dim sum. He’s got a full dose of Christine… LOL. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. I return home tomorrow night.
In the meantime, I get to visit with friends. As mentioned, I was in Langley this weekend. One friend picked me up from SkyTrain and we slept over at another friend’s place. The first night, we went out for an Italian dinner, which was absolutely delicious, and then one of my friends organized a crystal bowl session with someone from Italy. We laid outside under cozy blankets listening to the crystal bowls. I have never felt so RELAXED. I had an incredible sleep and could have stayed in bed all day, but couldn’t because we had booked a 90-minute massage. OMG. It was incredible.
Afterwards, we went out for a really late brunch/lunch and I just loved the “filet of fish eggs benny” with shredded hashbrowns. I just loved that meal… and the only meal of that day. It was rich and delicious. I had nothing like it, and I really enjoyed it. Who knew? We concluded the day by attempting to find a gift for our Italian friend, and we succeeded. It was handmade and personalized. We surprised our friend that night with this gift. Our gratitude for her crystal bowl work was immense. The serendipity of the gift was equally special. It was meant to happen. Gosh, I love people!! So good.
Although I was rejected by my father… LOL… to meet up today, I have the opportunity to meet up with other friends in Vancouver before I go back to my kit-cat and kid at home. I am so grateful for my friends (family included) who lift me up and are willing to say what I need to hear to take next steps. Sometimes it’s not easy to hear these things, but really, it more about what I do in response. It’s supposed to be a super hot day today in Vancouver, as well as tomorrow. I will take it easy and work remotely from my brother’s place that has wifi and air conditioning. Thank you everyone for making this trip so worthwhile and I did enjoy seeing my dad. It’s time well spent.