When I got home from Leduc on Monday I felt like I had been gone forever. Upon reflection I realized that I had spent very few days at home in the last two weeks of December. I babysat my granddaughter Madison in Red Deer from December 18th - 21st. Aina was in Edmonton for her Module 3 exam prep course which is part of her articling to become a chartered accountant. Trevor went to Saskatchewan to pick up his sons T.J. and Cole for Christmas. We decided that a long trip would not be fun for Madison. In addition, it would be good for Trevor to have some quality time with his sons. Sonja arrived at Aina's on the 19th so we took turns with babysitting, last-minute shopping, and Sonja spending time with her friends. I was home in Caroline for the 22nd and 23rd, then back to Aina's for Christmas.
All of our family was at Aina's new home in Red Deer for Christmas Eve. Trevor's Mom Lorrena and sons were also there. We had a traditional turkey dinner and gift exchange that evening. Jarl, Rebecca, Spencer and Parker returned to Rebecca's folk's home in Caroline later that evening. The rest of us slept over. Christmas Day was stockings and more gifts for the children, a leisurely breakfast, leftovers for lunch, and quality visiting time. It was a wonderful relaxed time! I enjoyed not feeling the pressure of celebrating in a crowded little cabin!!
We were home for boxing day then off to Camrose on December 27th for Uncle Art's funeral. He passed on December 20th, his Dad's birthdate. The service at Burgar Funeral Home was a wonderful tribute to Uncle Art. After the service we went to the Kingman Cemetery for the internment. It was the first time I had been to the cemetery since Mom's headstone had been put in place. I was pleased with the result, thinking of the progress from pen and paper to computer drawings to carvings in stone. Following the cemetery, we went to the social room of the Kingman Lutheran Church for lunch. Although the circumstances of our gathering were not pleasant, it was a good opportunity to visit family and friends, though briefly.
On December 28th we had our Bjorgum family Christmas at Laurel's. It was a fun and lively time with the babyset, elementary school age children, teenagers, the twenty-something single set, newlyweds, oldies, cats and dogs. There were board games, games for kids like indoor hockey, You Tube viewing, visiting, photo ops, and an abundance of good food as always.
Madison and I spent the nights of December 27th and 28th at Laurel's. I returned to Caroline on the 29th, dropping Madison off at Red Deer on the way. On the 30th I went to Homecare in Sundre and on the 31st I had Chemo treatment #5 in Red Deer. All is well so far. Having come this far with no major difficulties has boosted my confidence. Only one treatment left now. I CAN DO THIS!! On January 27th I have an appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Topstad, to discuss surgery options. It's a patience game but it's good to know I've come this far. Of course, having passed Midwinter, with lengthening hours of daylight, brings a new optimism in spite of the severe cold.
It has been wonderful to have the last two days at home in a warm, cosy wood-heated cabin with my friendly companion. I am very much looking forward to sticking close to home for the next little while.
In the World of Music: Eartha Kitt passed in December just before her 82nd birthday. She will be well remembered for her singing of "Santa Baby" and her role as Catwoman in the Batman TV series. She started off with two strikes against her: she was an illegitimate child of mixed race, part black and part Cheyenne native. She was a child labourer picking cotton in the cotton fields. I must research her story further.
I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year with contentment, peace of mind, and few worries.
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