Thanks once again, all, for your kindness, caring and empathy with my non-uncommon situation. I did not go to the Audubon event after all. There was an unannounced addendum to a residents' association meeting late in the afternoon where the CEO described planned changes in the Memory Care daily program and physical plant here in Columbia. The Master Plan includes facilities and services that will make Lenoir Woods a leader in memory care management and patient well being. Stay tuned!
Love that amsonia! Walking has been a soul saver for me, as well. I’m not a hiker but the movement, either brisk or a stroll, has soothed my heart and mind. When I lost my husband, I really wanted to just pack up and run as far as I could. Circumstances and responsibilities prevented that…so…I walked, with his dog, who was also grieving. We walked, sat, people watched. Now, I’ve lost my sweet four legged companion. I sit, read, pray, complete my weekly and daily chores…only occasionally walk. But when the ‘sads’ become too much..I take my walking stick and head to walk it out. It is not a cure for the ache, but it helps…along with distractions of hobbies, chats with a few new friends who share this experience. We just make ourselves take each step forward….it would be so easy to just close the door and retreat…but we are stronger than that! Keep walking…joining…talking!
I've had the notion to immerse myself in learning downtown Columbia. I would take a square block at a time--maybe once a month until the bitter cold. Take pictures, take notes, meet and chat with people, visit business I would have otherwise driven past. Then do something similar for the University, which I know not at all yet. I should not be bored, but I must get to it and stick with it. We'll see where my feet carry me!
Walking is the best thing you can do, Fred. I walk a lot. Irv has been gone for a while now but I still miss him more than words can say. When grief takes over and threatens to derail me completely, I pull on my hiking boots and grab my walking stick then snap a leash on the dog and off we go. Hang in there.
I just remembered: Our son cut Ann a walking stick from our woods here. I will take it to her as a visual prompt to remind her of all the hiking sticks she's carried over the years and left lying in the woods somewhere. The stick represented control, safety, stability and became a companion if used for months, sometimes years. Good prompt, thanks!
I am not worried about you staying unmoored for long. “Nature abhors a vacuum” and it is obvious that Fred does, too. Your life will become rich in only a very short time, I wager!!
Dear Fred!! Good for you!!! I applaud your efforts and outlook, though your determination does not surprise me.
As I read your first paragraph I got the mental picture of new shoes.
You are, metaphorically, breaking in new shoes. Walking shoes or hiking boots, I'm not sure which, but either will take your curiosity to the places you want to explore.
Beauty arrests us doesn't it!!! ? Beauty holds us in place and we grow roots where we can return to ponder. And the couch is not typically a good place to root. I much prefer your choice of park bench or Chapel pew.
Happy pondering and wandering!! I am so happy you are taking your readers along!!!
New shoes indeed! And a new watch, a new map but the same old knees! The gears will churn and grind for a while until they mesh, and this new machinery turns the wheels and I learn to keep my balance and move awkwardly but with intention and purpose. That will take time, I'm seeing now. Thanks for the encouragement!
Lovely post, Fred. So sorry to understand about Ann’s movement to rest. Glad to hear you’re walking. I’m a big walker, and if you have the stomach for it, walking is especially nice with a dog. When my mom finally rested, I did a lot of walking—and also during Covid. Keep writing, too. I might not catch your posts every time, but I try to keep you on my reading radar, especially during these difficult times in our country as well as in our aging lives. Let Jack and I know if/when you come back to Floyd for a visit and we’d love to meet up with you at Buffalo Mtn Brewery or someplace. Peace.
Thanks, WWN, I have hopes of making it back to Floyd, with my new freedom to travel, if not much enthusiasm to get on a plane for any purpose. We will see what it feels like after the dust settles. Safe travels, and yes, see you at the brewery. Good memories, thanks.
Thank you, Fred, for continuing to share your lively meditations -- "noticings" -- of the world around you. We miss you and Ann very much back here in Floyd County. Your name comes up very often. So many "friends" in flora and fauna around us remind us of you and your scratch and sniff tours of the woodlands. To our family, Goose Creek will always be the home of Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann. Much love . . .
Thanks for remembering, neighbor. I was just this week remembering out trip back to your folks place years ago. That was a day well spent and I have the photos to remember it by.
Thanks once again, all, for your kindness, caring and empathy with my non-uncommon situation. I did not go to the Audubon event after all. There was an unannounced addendum to a residents' association meeting late in the afternoon where the CEO described planned changes in the Memory Care daily program and physical plant here in Columbia. The Master Plan includes facilities and services that will make Lenoir Woods a leader in memory care management and patient well being. Stay tuned!
Love that amsonia! Walking has been a soul saver for me, as well. I’m not a hiker but the movement, either brisk or a stroll, has soothed my heart and mind. When I lost my husband, I really wanted to just pack up and run as far as I could. Circumstances and responsibilities prevented that…so…I walked, with his dog, who was also grieving. We walked, sat, people watched. Now, I’ve lost my sweet four legged companion. I sit, read, pray, complete my weekly and daily chores…only occasionally walk. But when the ‘sads’ become too much..I take my walking stick and head to walk it out. It is not a cure for the ache, but it helps…along with distractions of hobbies, chats with a few new friends who share this experience. We just make ourselves take each step forward….it would be so easy to just close the door and retreat…but we are stronger than that! Keep walking…joining…talking!
I've had the notion to immerse myself in learning downtown Columbia. I would take a square block at a time--maybe once a month until the bitter cold. Take pictures, take notes, meet and chat with people, visit business I would have otherwise driven past. Then do something similar for the University, which I know not at all yet. I should not be bored, but I must get to it and stick with it. We'll see where my feet carry me!
That sounds like an interesting plan, a different adventure, and a great way to become familiar with the area.
Walking is the best thing you can do, Fred. I walk a lot. Irv has been gone for a while now but I still miss him more than words can say. When grief takes over and threatens to derail me completely, I pull on my hiking boots and grab my walking stick then snap a leash on the dog and off we go. Hang in there.
I just remembered: Our son cut Ann a walking stick from our woods here. I will take it to her as a visual prompt to remind her of all the hiking sticks she's carried over the years and left lying in the woods somewhere. The stick represented control, safety, stability and became a companion if used for months, sometimes years. Good prompt, thanks!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures. It is good to hear that you are reconnecting with the outdoors.
I am not worried about you staying unmoored for long. “Nature abhors a vacuum” and it is obvious that Fred does, too. Your life will become rich in only a very short time, I wager!!
Dear Fred!! Good for you!!! I applaud your efforts and outlook, though your determination does not surprise me.
As I read your first paragraph I got the mental picture of new shoes.
You are, metaphorically, breaking in new shoes. Walking shoes or hiking boots, I'm not sure which, but either will take your curiosity to the places you want to explore.
Beauty arrests us doesn't it!!! ? Beauty holds us in place and we grow roots where we can return to ponder. And the couch is not typically a good place to root. I much prefer your choice of park bench or Chapel pew.
Happy pondering and wandering!! I am so happy you are taking your readers along!!!
New shoes indeed! And a new watch, a new map but the same old knees! The gears will churn and grind for a while until they mesh, and this new machinery turns the wheels and I learn to keep my balance and move awkwardly but with intention and purpose. That will take time, I'm seeing now. Thanks for the encouragement!
I am a wobbely walker and feel MUCH more stable with my walking stick in hand!!! I understand.
Lovely post, Fred. So sorry to understand about Ann’s movement to rest. Glad to hear you’re walking. I’m a big walker, and if you have the stomach for it, walking is especially nice with a dog. When my mom finally rested, I did a lot of walking—and also during Covid. Keep writing, too. I might not catch your posts every time, but I try to keep you on my reading radar, especially during these difficult times in our country as well as in our aging lives. Let Jack and I know if/when you come back to Floyd for a visit and we’d love to meet up with you at Buffalo Mtn Brewery or someplace. Peace.
Thanks, WWN, I have hopes of making it back to Floyd, with my new freedom to travel, if not much enthusiasm to get on a plane for any purpose. We will see what it feels like after the dust settles. Safe travels, and yes, see you at the brewery. Good memories, thanks.
Thank you, Fred, for continuing to share your lively meditations -- "noticings" -- of the world around you. We miss you and Ann very much back here in Floyd County. Your name comes up very often. So many "friends" in flora and fauna around us remind us of you and your scratch and sniff tours of the woodlands. To our family, Goose Creek will always be the home of Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann. Much love . . .
Thanks for remembering, neighbor. I was just this week remembering out trip back to your folks place years ago. That was a day well spent and I have the photos to remember it by.