Life at Seagull Cottage Changes Forever

I was so happy last December writing down the happenings here in our little corner of the world. Life was good. We had a speed bump coming up, but, we had made it over them before. Speed bumps are nothing compared to the sinkhole I fell into December 15th.

"Bye, honey! See you in six hours," I say, "OK, bring me a pizza," he says, "Sure I will, honey", I reply. Those were our last words the morning of December 14th as I dropped Tom off for his valve replacement. Jessica, our oldest grand daughter, had arrived the night before and was home catching up on some sleep. She was going to help me when Tom came home. I went home, curled up on the sofa with the puppies and dozed off. The phone rang five hours later, but it was not the news I was waiting for. There were complications and the team was working to fix the problem. The surgery lasted 15 hours and there was no way he could catch up with the stress that had been put on his body. I said goodbye to my precious BearPaws the next day.

Now 60 days later I am trying to make some sense out of my life and trying to do all the things Tom would have wanted me to do. The best part of all this is the support from family and friends.

Jessica made the decision to stay here in New England, get a job and try out having an adult life away from her parents. Let me tell you, she's doing great. I don't know if living with this Ol'lady is different than with her folks, but she has made some good choices and seems to be fitting in nicely. She got a job at Target right here in Revere. Training for an assistant manager position was not what she had planned to do, however, the opportunity arose and so far so good. Target gives great training and she is learning each step before she progresses to the next. This will be a real job, complete with benefits! She has about 8 weeks left in her program before the raise and benefits kick in. Working so close to home (all of a five minute commute)is great for her. She uses the Edge to get to and from work so I figure she will go through about 3/4's of a tank of gas a month! I told her to get a bike in the spring.

We have had a record cold winter this year, with a heck of a lot of snow. But we made it through with just a few bruises. Friends and family from all over have brought me great comfort in the past few months. I am not real sure as to what my future holds for me. I don't know which of the many options I will pursue,. What I do know is that I have a circle of wonderful people around me who will help in the decision.

So long for now and all our love and thanks to all of you being a part of my life!