Dear Sis,

I was thinking about you this morning, as I powered walked through my neighbourhood.    Ways for us to stay connected.    One way of course is the phone.   That is why it is important for your answering machine to always work.  So when I call,  you can hear my voice.

Staying connected through my blog is another way.   I am going to ask friends to read them to you.  I know that people will welcome the opportunity, as visits can be difficult.

I understand this.

As you and I would walk the hallway,  I would see so many people on their own.  But I also witnessed loved ones, caring for each other.    For many, it is a journey to the end.

One morning, when I was down the hall doing laundry,  I asked a lady who was sitting in her wheelchair – who’s name I now know is Catherine –  why she was in this hospital.    She whispered, “I jumped off a bridge.”  Everyone has a story.

When we were in the visitor room, I recall looking over and seeing this man doing a crossword puzzle.   In the two weeks I was there, there were many days I would see this same man working on all three puzzles.   As you age, one has to do what they can to keep their mind sharp and their body active.

As we sat in the room, I decided to show you – our cousin Glen and Wendy’s –  documentary that aired on CBC last month.  “To The Worlds.”   A group of ladies taking up skating in their 60’s and 70’s.    I filmed you at the end, watching it and I posted it below.

The video is 1 hour and 43 minutes long.  This morning, I watched it for the first time.     It is filled with heartache, determination, sadness, joy and love,  all mixed together.   The. messages via both you (non verbal) and Wendy (verbally) are beautiful.   I do hope that many find the courage to watch and listen.

I hope you are doing ok sis.   I will try to write as often as I possibly can.

I love you sis,

Kathy xo

ps.  Jenna and I just called you !!!!   I hope you were in the room and heard our voice.    When I asked her just now if she wanted to view this video with me she said, “No thanks mama, I don’t feel like being sad right now.”   I totally respect that.  She is a young girl who is so in touch with her emotions.  She will watch it when she is ready.    How wonderful that I can keep all these memories alive in my blog.