Things I’ve Learned After Pat’s Passing

Aloha,

I’ve still got lots of handmade cards sent to me after Pat passed away six months ago, and I want to show them off here. Handmade cards are extra special because of the love  and time put into making them.

But first, I want to share some things I’ve learned.

• I’ve learned that it’s important to attend funerals.  I didn’t realize what a huge impact it would have on me.  Family that sacrificed to fly over to be with me and pay their respects to Pat.  I saw friends of his from Medical School that came from the mainland.  Friends from Grade School! Doctors that used to work with him at Maui Medical Group that I haven’t seen in years.  One retired doctor that used to help Pat sometimes with surgeries that didn’t think I’d know him, but I did because Pat thought so highly of him. Pat’s patients that stopped to tell us how he was such a caring physician. OR nurses that worked with him in the OR that were so kind to tell us what a great doctor he was and how they loved his laugh. Dear friends from Salt Lake City that we had adventures with before we had kids. And the friends we leaned on when we all had small kids the same age and would take turns giving each other a break.
• I’m learning to respect the journey.  Don’t push myself too hard. Take naps when I need to. Go outside! Don’t try to please everyone. Don’t worry about what other people think.
• I’ve learned that loneliness can overtake you, even when surrounded by friends
• I’ve learned that certain things trigger me:  music especially, certain dates, going to church by myself, glancing up at his chair to tell him something, popping open a Corona, and I still can’t go to the cemetery very often.
• I’ve learned to say “yes” when people offer to help. And I’ve received so much! Food, lawn mowing, flowers, moving furniture, and I always have people checking on me. I have so many wonderful friends!

And now to show you more beautiful cards!

I have one batch left that I’ll post in a few days.

Thank you for being a part of my journey!

 

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