If one were to step outside today not knowing the date, it would be easy to assume it is early spring or late fall with the cool temperatures and the strong wind. My thoughts go to my late husband Harold and I chuckle as I remember how frustrated he would get with these cold days in June.  It’s been just over 6 months since he transitioned to heaven, however, as I sit alone at my computer this morning, my heart is warmed with all the wonderful memories I have of our lives together.  We two had definitely become 1 through our years.  The plans we made and carried out, the children we had and the places we lived have left me with a wonderful story of 2 people who co-created together for almost 40 years.

We were drawn to each other in those early years by our love of life, our spirit of adventure, and our desire to be together as much as we could. 

Our story is not big financially, but somehow we managed to create some of the most amazing experiences together.  The first one that comes to mind is from Ireland back in May of 2012. We were there for a week. Towards the end of our visit, we found a perfect little B&B in the town of Wexford. We spent the day exploring this colorful town and then ended our day in a charming little pub. It was such a find! That place had more atmosphere than its walls could contain.  The music and laughter, the people, the warmth of the whole evening still sits with me as if it just happened yesterday.  Stumbling back to our B&B after the pub closed at 2 am ended one of the most magical days of our experience together in Ireland.  That is just one amazing story of so many.  The beauty of Ireland was the perfect backdrop to our amazing Irish adventure, but that was only 1 trip.  The warm air of Ecuador, the tropical breezes of Hawaii and the Grenadines, the lush green rolling hills of the Czech Republic and even the streets of San Francisco all combined to create a beautiful picture of 2 people who loved to travel and enjoyed life to the fullest.

These memories bring me to a place of gratefulness and appreciation as I recall all that we did through mental pictures.  Harold had a huge spirit for living that stayed with him through all his years.  His epiphanies always meant that another great adventure was about to begin.  From our fully equipped piano workshop in Airdrie to a 2^nd floor apartment in India, he was unstoppable.  His visions were huge as they became reality for both of us to share. 

I could take this writing in so many directions right now, but my heart is served the most as I reflect on Harold’s magnificent spirit and outlook on life.  There is a dark side to all of us which sometimes guides our choices, and both of us experienced life in its full duality.  I acknowledge that with a simple sentence, and then move right back to all that brought me joy through our years together. 

Coffee.  Because of his love for a cup of black coffee, I also learned to appreciate my coffee black.  That is a simple representation of my adoration for the way Harold enjoyed life.  I was a follower through many of our years together, but I was also a co-creator acknowledging that together we wrote our story.  For example, when my father offered us air miles to take a vacation anywhere in the world, I chose Ireland.  It was not a place Harold would have picked and it turned out to be a fun adventure in a new land.  6 years later Harold wanted to sell everything and go see India.  That was not a decision I would have made, but together it also turned out to be a fun and amazing adventure.

This is far more than a tipping of my hat to a wonderful life. It is me bowing in deep admiration of a man who fought to live out his dreams right to the very end.  Eventually his MS  confined him to a wheelchair, but his mind still soared with new ideas to experience life to its fullest.  He taught me so much.  He taught me love. He taught me patience; he taught me understanding.  Sadly some of these lessons came too late for me but the truth remains that they are lessons I’ve learned. I go forward with him in spirit now as I walk through my home and recall so many moments we shared based on things I see as I look around: the piano he refurbished for us, the china cabinet we chose together as we shopped at Becker Furniture World, the table that holds my computer is one that he re-finished for us to use. In my storage room there is a box of computer keyboards.  Not 1 or 2, but several!  I don’t know why he accumulated so many but now I look at that collection and laugh. The wooden cane with the gold handle lies next to his picture in my office.

A cane, a walker and then a wheelchair. None of these items and what they represent kept him from dreaming. I’m thankful for his freedom from a body that was failing him. I’m thankful for his release from pain. We shared so much together and I cherish every moment as I look back.

I love you Harold.  Now and forever. Until we meet again my love.

Lori