It’s the last night of 2023, and I’m only actually realizing that now as I check the time on my iMac to see when to start cooking supper. It’s eye of round steak and risotto if you’re curious.
In 2023 we lost so many, my family and friends. If I take a few moments to just scroll back through my Facebook Profile, I’m seeing a lot of obituaries that I shared. Death feels so unfair, something we can never truly prepare for.
Instead of sharing more on the grief of all things, I’ll share some memories:
Of Grace,
I remember the warmth of your body against my legs as we slept in the cabin at Otter Creek. Your golden yellow fur against my grandmother’s clothing on a handmade quilt. The sound of your sore and the crackle of the fire in the background.
Of Aunt Louise,
I remember visiting you and Uncle Wince in Stephenville. Many weekends while I was there for college, you’d invite me over for Sunday dinner. I remember how much you reminded me of nan, it made me both happy and sad at the same time. I remember how dinner tasted just like nan would make it, and how you and Uncle Wince would always carry on with each other as though you were mad, but I actually think that’s how you flirted – haha!
Of Jack,
I remember my trip to Anne Marie Lodge, freshly hired to do social media and website updates for the fishing business. The ultimate host, you kept me going with Old Fashioned drinks, and took every opportunity to tell me stories of special guests and occasions at the Lodge. Sure the brookies were big, but it was the people that made the place, you especially.
Of Jane,
When Ray passed, you had (understandably) taken it so hard. It was a shock to us all. I remember visiting your house for tea, and spending that time exchanging stories of Ray and your life together. How your smile would light up talking about your vacations together and all the jokes that made us smile since I met your family. It was a pleasure to know you, and to have become friends with Denise, Todd, Kyle and Terri. Your memory will always live on.
Of Grandma Sophie,
I remember picking you up in my new Trailblazer, not long after I got it. She was low enough to the ground that it made it fairly easy for you to get in and out of. It was spring time. We drove all around Goose Bay, the base, and down to the dock. All the while you were pointing out certain spots and sharing your memories. I am sad that we did not get to go to Them Days like I had promised, and we hadn’t visited the home that Jeffrey and I made on the base.
Of Michael,
I remember meeting you at the library on nights we managed to get free. We’d sit at the table right in the back corner and pour over things that we had written (poetry) and talk about the thoughts behind the words. I don’t know that you ever shared your writings with others, but there was a sense of longing, of missing, of adventure and maybe regret, behind your words. You were a multifaceted person, talented and true to yourself and others. I wish we had kept up our writing sessions.
Of Uncle Darrell,
One of my fondest memories was the summer I visited you and Aunt Norma after I finished up my student job. Playing pool and listening to Metallica in the basement – coolest Aunt and Uncle ever.
Of course, 2023 had it’s highlights too. This year brought a lot more travel than I had been used to. I had the pleasure of visiting Ottawa for the first time, where I saw my cousin Sabrina and met her family. I also travelled to Halifax and met Melanie’s family, and took multiple trips to St. John’s, and of course, multiple road trips back home.
This year, I also completed the Great Cycle Challenge again to raise money for the SickKids Foundation. I successfully completed my kilometers and raised more than the amount I set to raise.
But most importantly, the highlight of the year (and of my life) was saying “yes” to Jeffrey in April when he asked me to be his wife. A moment I’ll always remember, at my favorite place, with my favorite boy.
It was some year.
Love,
M.
Colour of Outdoors by Mandy Ford 