Earlier, I remarked that I "reconstructed my personality".  And, to some degree I did.  We all change and adapt.  What was different about this phase was that I felt like I pulled big dumpster to the front of my house, and threw out a lot of crap.  Gone.  Done.

And, these changes are slowly taking up permanent residence in my space here.  My relationship with my husband has taken on a whole new depth and it's wonderful.  Gone are the subtle games and masks, and I have stopped hiding.  I am clearly in residence here, the "me" that has been wanting to get out into the world for a long, long time.  I am lighter, I feel like I can breathe a lot easier, and I have a lot more joy and laughter in my life.

As Jackie Gleason used to say, "How sweet it is!"  (Okay, some of you might not know who he is.  I am now officially old.)

LOL!  Woo hoo!   Off to enjoy this beautiful beach weekend!

All the best!  Love, Me

Recently, a family member passed away.  He was 83 years old.  His daughter this morning had sent an online photo album with over 400 photos of his life.

It took me a long time to meet him.  His wife was at family gatherings, but I wouldn't see him.  I finally had the pleasure of meeting him at my mother in law's 90th birthday party.  I wish I had met him earlier.

What struck me the most was his positive attitude.  When the gossip was flying, he would always find the most positive and affirming things to say.  Even until his last days, he was always upbeat and loving.  And his last words were his undying devotion to his wife.

Looking through the album this morning, I really saw how much his life centered on his family and the being upbeat.  There were a lot of pictures of family gatherings, and also quite a few where he was clowning for the camera.  He truly lived a life of joy and loved to laugh. 

The last time I saw him was Easter Sunday for dinner.  He and his wife had moved earlier that week and he wasn't feeling well, but he was laughing and enjoying the day as best he could.  It was a shock to hear six weeks later that he was gone. 

What a special man he was.  Paul, you will be missed.....

Makes me wonder what our photo albums will look like.  What will we leave as our lasting memories to tell the story of our lives?

All the best!