update...





hello dear readers. 
can we start this new year over?

thank you all for your kind words of love and encouragement.
i never intended for this blog to ever be about anything sad but you guys are like good friends and friends share the ups and downs too.  
i'd like to start fresh today if that is ok with you.

tomorrow is valentines day and also the start of lent.
so lots of love and discipline are in the air.

miss doris passed away peacefully in her sleep last wednesday morning.
her mass is this friday.
saying i will miss this woman doesn't even come close to how i feel.
but i know she'd want me to be happy and celebrate life not to wallow in sadness.
so that is what i'll attempt to do.

also i'd like to thank you for the outpouring of love for my son.
he is on the mend.  i know he will come out of this stronger, both physically and mentally.
he is already back at work.  can you believe that?
he uses his crutches to get up and down stairs and across snowy parking lots.
he has really blown me away with his determination to get well.
i am incredibly proud of him and his attitude.










so i just wanted to check in and give you all an update.
i will be back to normal blogging real soon.

xo 
janet

46 comments

  1. I'm so sorry to hear of all you've been through. Best of wishes to you for your new start!

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  2. Janet... with real life comes sadness and while we may not be face to face friends, we are surely friends and want to lend support where needed. Your Miss Doris sounded lovely! I am sure you will celebrate her life and friendship many times over in your treasured memories. I am so happy to hear about your son and his progress! It is difficult to see our "babies" hurt/injured... but confirming to see how each handles the setbacks that befall us in life. Sending you good thoughts and blessings for today and the days ahead. Susan

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  3. Infertility forced me into deep friendships with women in their 80's - 50's since college.

    Now in my 50's you know many are gone.

    They are in every word I write and still inform my attitudes. My life incorporates them, though they are gone. Sometimes the tears still fall.

    Perhaps it is Miss Doris I like most in YOU.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  4. You have been a beautiful friend and inspiration...not only through this blog but personally as well. I treasure the day I came upon the gardener's cottage.
    I'm sorry you're going through all this. I hope you know I've sent you lots of big hugs. xo

    Through adversity comes strength....I hope that broken bone heals quickly and I'm thrilled to hear he's doing so well. Sometimes what we see as a set-back is anything but.

    Come back when you can...you know we'll all be here waiting. Hugs and more Hugs!

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  5. How did I miss your earlier post? I'm so sorry about your friend. That's got to shake you to the core I imagine. I think it's okay to wallow sadness for a little bit if you want to.

    I can't believe that xray! I'm no radiologist but I'd say that's a pretty bad break. I'll bet that didn't feel good. A speedy recovery to him.

    Hope you're feeling better soon.

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  6. Janet, I was just going to write to you and check in today. My sympathy in the passing of Miss Doris... as I said before she was very lucky to call you her friend. Sadness is part of the grief, so go ahead and wallow.xx
    Glad to hear your son is doing better. That photo is difficult to look at and I'm not even his mother;) Continued healing to him.
    love and light to you my friend...love and light.
    xxoj.

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  7. Sympathies on the passing of your friend...so sad for your loss. Glad your son is doing so well...wow, that is indeed a bad break. Amazing how youth bounces back.

    xo
    Karen

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  8. Janet, I'm so sorry to hear of Miss Doris losing her fight. This poem kept me sane when Mum died, hope it helps.

    Farewell My friends

    It was beautiful as long as it lasted
    The journey of my life.
    I have no regrets whatsoever
    Save the pain I'll leave behind.
    Those dear hearts who love and care...
    And the strings pulling at the heart and soul...
    The strong arms that held me up
    When my own strength let me down.
    At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
    Friends who stood by me,
    Even when the time raced me by.
    Farewell, farewell, my friends
    I smile and bid you goodbye.
    No, shed no tears for I need them not
    All I need is your smile.
    If you feel sad do think of me
    For that's what I'll like when you live in the hearts
    Of those you love, remember then
    You never die.

    Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali poet and philosopher (1861 - 1941)

    On a brighter note it's incredible how that horrible break is coming along, what a fighter you've given birth to. xxxx

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  9. So so sorry for your loss, Janet. And your son sounds invincible, I'm sure he's a chip off the old block <3

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  10. Nice to hear back from you Janet. I'm so sorry for your loss.There are no words...But I'm very happy your son is on the mend. Looking forward to your continued blog sharing, miss you.

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  11. Oh Janet I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I missed your last post and I feel like a jerk, I've been thinking about you and I wish I had checked in earlier.
    Boy that's a clean break but it sounds like your son is a fighter and will get well fast. I love the photo of him with his good buddies in your last post. Friends make the difference don't they.
    I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sending prayers and peace your way, and good-healing vibes to that boy of yours.
    xox

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  12. Hi Janet,
    Yes, I'm all for starting over. I just keep telling myself that spring is coming and flowers will be blooming soon.

    I'm sorry to hear about miss doris. It brings tears to my eyes, mostly because I feel for you. My favorite quote related to losing someone is "what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the butterfly calls new life", if makes me feel like there is so much more after moving on. Certainly Ms Doris is looking smart and getting things done in her new life.

    That x-ray is scary. I can't believe he's already back at work.

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  13. Janet, it's wonderful how we all serve as teachers to one another. Hope your connection with your readers helps manifest the strength needed as you find your new normal without your good friend. My son had a similar break, rod put in his leg. He was working as a student at the University of Hawaii sea life center, moving a shark tank, which broke lose from th rig and nearly severed his leg. That was about 24 years ago; the rod is still in his leg and he's done pretty well with it. Best wishes to you, your family.

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  14. Life experience is what makes us wiser and where would we be without it?
    There is always a silver lining and your memories of Miss Doris and the youth and tenacity your son is displaying are wonderful!
    It all falls into place in its own time, and you will be enriched - I wish you the fortitude to find that peace, take care x

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  15. Have missed quite a few posts and was awfully sorry to hear about your son! What an unreal injury. He must be hardcore. I did not know who Miss Doris is but I must go back and see what I missed. Janet - life can be so hard sometimes and other times so easy. The other day I was just thinking how there is so much beauty in the world and on the other hand, so much total crap, that it reminded me to forget about heaven and hell in the afterlife, it is all here in the current one.

    xo Terri

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    Replies
    1. Oh, now I recall her - your wonderful stylish friend. Oh, how totally utterly rotten. Sounds like the world is now missing one of its original Bright Young Things.

      xo Terri

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  16. Ouch! to that x-ray!! It's great to hear your son is on the mend. I'm sorry for your loss. Take some time for your heart to mend. It's difficult to lose those we love. xx

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  17. Janet, so sorry to hear of your loss... Miss Doris sounded like one of a kind. It was wonderful that you had her in your life. I am so glad to hear that your son is getting better and that he is back at work. I always wish that I could take the pain and spare my children. Please take care of yourself.

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  18. Oh my, that is one heck-of-a-break but his young bones will heal quickly. Perhaps your son might like to frame those x-ray films.
    I'm terribly sorry to hear about Miss Doris. I'm sure that you were a ray of sunshine in her life Janet.
    Take it easy & look after yourself.
    Jo x

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  19. Oh, I cringed when I saw that x-ray. I hope healing of all kinds come to your and yours soon.

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  21. Thank you for posting today and giving us all an update. I'm so sorry for your loss of Miss Doris, it sounded like she was an amazing woman, who led a great life. Grieving takes a long time, and has it's ups and downs, as you know. Take you time, and don't rush through it - it's all part of experiencing a full life.
    Glad your son is mending so well, and the resilience he's shown is a great strength of character. xo

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  22. I am sorry for your loss, Janet. Miss Doris was lucky to have a caring friend like you, as you were fortunate to have her in your life. I hope that the rest of 2013 is far kinder to you and your family x

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  23. Janet,

    That is one hell of a break...OUCH! Your son seems like a real trooper and I hope he gets better soon!

    So sorry to hear about Miss Doris...she was lucky to have you as a friend. How old was she Janet?

    I wish I could start the year over...my MIL fell this weekend and FIL said she was OK but she is not. We had her admitted to the hospital last night and to make things worse both of them have bad dementia. My husband and I are both running on little sleep and have been getting zero help from hubby's siblings that live in town. My husband is so stressed out I'm worried about him too! And now we are faced with the task of getting them in home care because we just can't do it anymore. Serenity now!

    Linda
    xo

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  24. Thank you for sharing about this. Keep mentioning Miss Doris--we won't get tired of hearing about her. She sounded like a really dear lady!

    Start that new year whenever you feel like it--don't leave us for long though!

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  25. It sounds as though Miss Doris lived her life well and it is more than likely that the ceremony on Friday will be filled with the happy memories of all those who loved her. People you care for never entirely leave you.
    The x-ray is a shocker but now the bone looks very well pinned! Congratulations to your son for his get up and go!
    Take care.

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  26. Sending you good thoughts to see you through. I'm so sorry you have lost a sweet friend. Wow...that is one bad break. So glad to hear your son is up and around. I remember having to climb and descend stairs on crutches....it is not easy.

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  27. I'm so sorry about Miss Doris. It will take time, but eventually you'll remember her with fewer tears and more smiles, though the tears will likely come no matter how much time passes.

    I can't believe your son's x-ray! My leg hurt just looking at it. I'm glad to hear he's getting along well. I hope things smooth out for you soon. Don't feel bad about taking time off from blogging. Thinking of you,
    Claudia

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  28. That's sons for you. They amaze you every time. My son (many years ago) had his wisdom teeth out in hospital on Friday and got dressed for cricket on Saturday. I would have been on painkillers for atleast a week.

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  29. You share such a generous spirit on your blog and now it is our turn to offer our good thoughts and prayers for the loss of your beautiful, special friend Miss Dorris.
    I'm glad that your son is well on his way to recovery. It is amazing how young people heel so quickly.

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  30. Janet, I have missed you. I am glad you're back. Miss Doris is in my prayers as is your son. They are both safely in God's loving arms.

    Theresa

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  31. I am so sorry to hear about Doris. I know she meant so much to you. Doris was my wonderful mother-in-law's name. Maybe all Doris's are special people and maybe our Doris's are getting to know each other? I'd like to think so.
    Hugs to you, dear Janet. Glad to hear that your son is on the mend.
    xo, A

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  32. Welcome back, we missed you.
    Hugs :)

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  33. So sorry for your loss. And that is one hell of a break. I wish you healing of all sort.

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  34. Janet, please feel free to start the year beginning NOW! I'll join you. I'm so sorry the loss of your friend, she must have been very special. Your son's x-ray is scary, glad he is bouncing back so well. Wishing you a beautiful 2013 - starting right now.

    xo

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  35. Wow that break looks nasty. Good that your son is not letting it sideline him too long.
    Sorry that you have had a lot of challenges to deal with lately. I hope there will be better days on the horizon for you.
    A fresh start sounds wonderful!
    Hugs
    XO

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  36. Dear Janet - yes you are allowed to start fresh for the year. I never thought I would look forward to having somebody write about removing the grout in their bathroom... Your blog has given me so much joy and laughter and I admire you and the way you live your life so immensely, I just wish you all the best. So sorry to hear about your dear friend, she seemed like a very inspirational women - living up to a high age in such a joyful way should be an inspiration for us all.
    Looking at that X Ray hurts, must have been quiet an impact as I think that is one of the 'hardest' bones to break in your body.... hope he will get better soon.
    Take care
    Mireille

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  37. Janet, everyone has already said the words, so I will just say I am thinking of you all. Sometimes is it hard to see, in the moment, but it all works out in the end. ♥

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  38. So very sorry to hear of your loss of a dear friend. The x-ray hurts! Oh, my gosh. Sending
    thoughts of healing and love to you and yours. You are a beautiful light. Rest and we will all still be here when you return.

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  39. So sorry for your loss. And that x-ray......ouch! Feel free to "re-boot" anytime you want. Carolyn

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  40. Oh I am so sorry to hear the sad news of your dear friend Ms Doris... Thinking of you Janet... - sending love and a hug through the blogosphere.
    And that is amazing that your son is up and about and determined to get better. What an X-ray. Ouch. S xx

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  41. Hello Janet,
    If I could hug you right now I would. I am glad that you are on the mend emotionally and your son physically!

    I can't wait to see what is new in your life this year!
    hugs,
    Brandi

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  42. Hi Janet. I am sad for you for the loss of your friend. It is so hard to lose the dear older people in our lives. My sweet grandpa died at age 94. I missed him all the more since he'd been in my life for so long :(

    Your son's break - how horrible. He is one resilient young man.
    Take care.

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  43. Oh Janet, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I hope you are able to find peace and comfort during your time of mourning. I am sending prayers and big hugs your way.

    Your son sounds like a very resilient man, and quite the trooper. Back at work already...I am amazed!

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  44. Oh Janet, I have just been through similar with my son, however old they are it is just awful seeing them go through the pain.

    And now the loss of your beloved friend - I hope that in time the memories will be sweeter than the sadness of her absence, but that doesn't help the rawness now, and my thoughts are with you. This year has started full of hard things for many it seems, roll on Spring and new beginnings. Look after yourself in all this. Very much love to you, Bxx

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  45. How did I miss this post dear Janet? I'm so sorry to hear the news about your friend Doris. I have been thinking about your son...wow, those xray images...makes me cringe a little. Thinking of you!
    xo
    annie

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kindness is never out of style.

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