September

Well look at that, September has come and gone. It seemed to me that the trees turned early this year. It is cooler in the morning and most evenings. The day takes longer to wake up and is quicker to go to bed. Yep, it has happened fall has arrived. 

September has been a fun month for me. I had some rewarding events to plan and attend. Lots of birthdays to remember and overall, a shift in my life as I faced the reality that fall was approaching. People are sharing their garden surplus, and I am making jellies and enjoying toasted tomato sandwiches. I enjoy fall life, sadly it is a reminder that winter is looming.  

Just before school started, my business partner and I had another successful business day. This time it was, "Back to School Bags by May and Faye". Our focus was on muffins and cookies. It is hard for someone like me to even imagine buying muffins and cookies and even harder to ask people for $1.00 each. We settled on, "15 items for $15". The order numbers kept rising and by the end we had 26 orders. That is 397 bake items. It was an intense day, but you know it couldn't have been more rewarding. Maylee was walking on air as we loaded the last orders in the vehicle for delivery.

Some time ago, I wrote on my Bucket List, "reconnect with people". I have always known this, people from my past are some of the best people ever. I also believe in the power of the written word. If you want something to happen, write it down. When I chose the word "reconnect" a wonderful opportunity has sprung into my lap. I have been asked to be part of the organizing group for the GAHC Alumni. The retirees where I worked for 28 years formed an alumni group several years ago. I knew that when I retired, I wanted to join this group but it has gone dormant for a variety of reasons. I am rarely short of ideas for an event, so this couldn't have happened at a better time for me. A "Heavenly 80th Birthday Party" in honor of our dear Pam was our plan for September 18th. 

When planning an outside event, the weather can make or break your fun. It was hot, as in 30 degrees day, with little wind and the skies opened up with no clouds or smoke. I knew it was going to be just perfect when I saw the beauty of the sun that morning when I woke at my Bestie's home. 

We met at the local park for a barbeque and potluck lunch. Small town communities can put on a potluck like no other and they did not disappoint. We remembered and shared memories as we played, "Things I Remember about Pam" Bingo.  

We were honored to be welcomed into Pam's former home that was the old Nurses' residence before they remodeled it. Pam's son and his wife now call it their home and have done extensive renovations to make it beautiful. Some alumni members shared their memories of living there when it was a residence and we all imagined how the 11 rooms were some young girl's home. Oh, if the walls could talk. So many of us stated we could feel Pam's presence as we walked through her home. She would be smiling that big smile and be so proud of the job that her son and his wife had done. 

What would have been a double room

This is the size of a single room

The next stop was a visit to the country cemetery where Pam's life is commemorated. Thanks to the community, the cemetery was in perfect shape with every blade of grass tended to. It must bring families such comfort to know that the final resting place for their loved ones looks like that. There is still an old wooden church at the Cemetery and is in remarkable condition considering its lack of use and age.  

As I drove back to my home and quiet city life, I had lots to reflect on. I felt totally blessed to be part of such a great group of people. Success is not measured in numbers; it is measured in the participation and enjoyment of those that attend. My heart was full of satisfaction, everything was exactly like I had planned in my head. This simple event was magical, everyone embraced the opportunity to be together and to remember Pam. I was one of many new retirees from their last event, and it was nice to be included in the already established group. Not many people can say this, but the GAHC employees were always close, and it was just great to be surrounded by them again. It was clear there was nothing better than having a heavenly birthday party to kick start the group again.  

I was reminded of how kind and caring people are. Everyone had a job to do, and they did it well. The job may be simply to show up and make an item for the potluck. I was also reminded of how people in small towns just do what is best for others without even thinking about it. To be part of that again, just gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. When you leave an event and are excited to meet again, it is a true sign of success.  

September is a month of birthdays for me. My oldest son turned 45 years old at the end of the month, how on earth did that happen so quickly. My Mom and my Bestie celebrated their birthday on September 28. I was excited for them that they could spend part of their birthday together. It was a birthday to remember for Mom. As a resident of the Villa, she got to choose what she wanted everyone to have for lunch. She decided on ribs and for dessert angel food and strawberries. It was spirit week at the Villa and Mom's birthday was "formal" day. The day was jammed packed with activities. A trio of entertainers from Carnduff got everyone's toe tapping. Mom even danced a couple of dances with her Bestie. What a wild and crazy day to celebrate turning 89! Any birthday is worth celebrating and this one certainly was done up in style.

Mom's days at the Bow Valley Villa have come to an end. It was the perfect place for her to recover and now she wants a more independent life again. My sister, her hubby and I are fast becoming moving beasts. Mom has been a trooper since the fire and even though she is faced with many changes and 3 different homes in less than 2 years she has made the best of it. 

At the end of September, everything looks different outside. I think we all start to think about winter coming. We are all responsible for our own happiness, that includes embracing winter without a sense of dread. Winter falls under the category of something we can't control. What we can control is how we feel about it. For those of you that go to a warmer spot, you are starting to prepare for that. For those of you that hunker down with a book, knitting, puzzles or other things to pass the time, good for you. If you have to get out and work, follow kids around to activities, just remember it is a short amount of time in your life. Make it a magical time. I am not sure what my plans are for the winter months. I remind myself it is up to me how I am going to face winter. It is part of my life, and I need to make it the best I can. Simply put, it would be a waste of my life not to embrace winter. I am just relieved I don't have to go out if the weather is bad, so thankful, that part of my life is over. Pretty sure I will be one of those people that will hunker down, what about you?