Wild turkeys are everywhere in the metro area. Sue took this photo for us this morning of this proud male. Great shot, Sue! Thanks for sharing it! |
The many years we spent together living on the peninsula, socializing with the utmost of ease, regularly, and often with aplomb and style was intermingled with some of the most candid and revealing conversations we've ever had with friends.
A portion of the living room in Sue's new home. |
We came to know each other's foibles and idiosyncrasies and yet, accepted and embraced them without judgment or critique, without harshness or ridicule. That's the way it was our friends on the point.
The dining area with a pass-through to the kitchen and custom made cabinets for Sue's exquisite glassware collection from all over the world. |
Cozy banquette in kitchen. |
When Chip passed away in May 2012, Sue chose to postpone the memorial service until friends and family could all be present to attend in order to celebrate his meaningful and profound life. I was honored when Sue asked me to speak at the service.
The Monet inspired decor was clearly evident in the kitchen's design. |
Chip's sorrowful passing occurred after we'd decided to travel the world. The memorial service occurred only three months before we left to begin our journey. But, from there both Tom and I experienced a powerful commitment to attempt to try to fill a tiny gap in Sue's life, by including hers in ours, as much as possible.
Tom and I both felt totally at ease in Sue's new home. |
During this past almost five years, we've stayed in close touch with Sue and the other friends/neighbors. We never felt as if we were too far away and last night this was confirmed as we sat around that same gorgeous round table we'd all shared with Chip for decades as we all recapped our lives, our challenges and the changes we've made as we've continued to learn and grow in these older years of our lives.
Nelleke and Dave brought craft beer made by our former neighbor at the Excelsior Brewing Company. |
We've come full circle and a new "normal" has emerged for Sue, Tom and I. The healing has catapulted to a new level and all of us are prepared and filled with a sense of abundance in carrying on, with memories of "old" firmly in place and "new" memories being built for the future.
Sue had saved a menu I created for a dinner party we hosted when she and Chip had returned after their winter holiday at their Florida home. We couldn't believe she'd saved this! |
Thank you, dear readers, for inspiring us to share these intimate thoughts in writing; of times, old and new, that will surely follow us well into the future.
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Photo from one year ago today, June 19, 2016:
In Bali, the sunset view and reflection in the infinity pool. For more details, please click here. |
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