So Much...

So much on my mind lately that I feel that it is even difficult to think straight.  A few years ago I remember seeing a cartoon about bad memory where the character couldn't even remember what they went into the room for in the first place.  Maybe you know the one.  Anyway, as it turns out, I feel that I am now that character.  I can't tell you how many times I walk into a room, for a purpose, and have to stop and pause before recalling why I entered the room in the first place.

My mom had her knee surgery this week and was released from hospital on Friday.  The kids and I plan to go and spend time caring for her this week but whether we leave tomorrow or Monday will depend on Kirra.  Kirra has had a fever since yesterday.  I am hoping that the fever is starting to break and that she will be well enough to travel but don't want to push it too soon.  I have to say though, that he cuddles I get when my kids are sick are non-stop.  Despite that, I don't like when the kids are sick and I want to just take their sickness on myself.  Last night, Kirra came and slept with me and held my hand almost all night.  What a special feeling.  These are moments we don't get back.

I have been reflective today with the quiet, cuddles with Kirra and also having attended my Great Aunt Olga's funeral.  Times like this always remind me how short life is and how we should live life to it's fullest; being grateful for all that we are blessed with.  It is unfortunate that our lives get so busy at times that we can't even remember why we stepped foot into a room.  Why don't we stop more often to be truly grateful for the blessings in our life?  Why don't we stop more often to spend time with loved ones rather than consuming ourselves with achieving things?

While the priest at the funeral was speaking, he talked about Olga's life and the woman she was.  Family was important to her.  Her faith was important to her.  She was so thoughtful.  My Dad told me that he always got a birthday card from her and she remembered special events happening in his life and always sent a card and called.  Kind of a lost art today, unfortunately.  As sad as it is to say good bye to loved ones, the priest spoke about the reality and hope of heaven.  I liked that he said this is not good bye as good bye is so permanent.  Rather, this is farewell until we see each other again.  Farewell, Olga!

Below is Olga's obituary:

WIWCHAR, Olga
July 15, 1943 - January 15, 2014
With sadness the family of Olga Wiwchar announces her passing on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 in St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Olga is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Paul; two brothers, Peter (Romona) Krawchuk, George Krawchuk; one sister, Mary Konotopetz; sister in law, Ottillia Wiwchar; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Nicolai and Annie Krawchuk; and in-laws, Jacob and Mary Wiwchar, Nicholas Konotopetz, Berneice Krawchuk, Joseph and Anne Wiwchar, and William Wiwchar. Olga was born July 15, 1943 in Saskatoon. She received her education at Princess Alexandra School, Bedford Road Collegiate and Saskatoon Business College. Following Business College she worked at the CIBC from 1962 to 1967 and from 1967 to retirement in 1991 at SaskPower. Olga and Paul were married on October 7, 1978. They both enjoyed traveling and taking interest in the places they visited. Some of the trips were to Montreal Expo 67 with the Ukrainian Lastiwka Choir, Europe, Vancouver Expo 86, Aruba, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Missouri. Olga loved Ukrainian Cross Stitching, her pet dog, Buddy and enjoyed gardening. Her favourite flower was the pansy. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Park Funeral Chapel (311 Third Avenue North, Saskatoon) with Very Rev. Fr. Roman Kocur officiating. Interment in Woodlawn Orthodox Cemetery will follow. A sincere thank you to the staff at St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care Unit and a special thank you to Dr. Stakiw and Dr. Stalker. Memorial donations in Olga's memory made to Cancer Research, C/O Saskatoon Cancer Centre, 20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 4H4 will be graciously acknowledged by the family. To send online condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca "Obituaries & Tributes." Arrangements entrusted to Kenneth J. Scheirich, Park Funeral Chapel, 306.244.2103. 

Life is like a bridge, it spans the scores of years;

First birth, then youth and growing up,

Hardships, fun and tears.

We all here have experience the joys that life does bring,

A happy home in childhood, fun, friends, and everything.

But sometimes life's skies darken.

We all must share some grief,

But, God above will help us,

He'll strengthen our belief.