Sunday, July 31, 2011

Where have I gone?

Sooo it's been over a month since my last post. Okay, almost two months if I'm going to be picky!!

I have had so much go on that I don't even know where to start to be honest. I'm back in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for a few more months and loving every minute of it. I moved back up here about a month and a half ago to be with my step-mom Joy and my Dad. If you recall Joy was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. Joy and my Dad were living with hubby and I for just over a year in Cancun until her health really started to take a tumble.... Lots of visits to the Galenia Hospital in Cancun for respiratory problems, and finally the decision was made to go home while she still could. At first I hadn't planned on going, but now I am so happy I did. Joy passed away four weeks ago Friday. It was the hardest time of my life saying goodbye, watching her suffer, and truly realizing that she was gone...

One of the things I will forever remember about Joy was her love of life. She never once complained or felt sorry for herself. Anyone that knows her can attest to this. I have found myself complaining, less, and less myself about all the little not so important things in life. What a breath of fresh air!!! I have to admit that I also don't have as much patience for people who do complain about everything, or feel sorry for themselves. Like get over it. Sorry, that is just my two cents. I am so grateful to be alive and healthy and Joy taught me this amazing lesson in life "remember to dance in the rain"!!

It was not an easy decision when I decided to leave Cancun in mid-June, but now I know I made the right choice. Thank goodness I was here for Joys final weeks. I was there to move her from Palliative Care into her Hospice, and two short weeks later she passed away....

I had a lot going on at the time - I was approached by Mexico Today along with some fellow bloggers and friends to go to Oaxaca Mexico for a paid position with their campaign. Originally I had agreed and was so excited to go! After I received a call from my Dad explaining Joys situation...I knew I had to go home, and miss out on this amazing opportunity.

On top of this, hubby is still in Cancun and I am missing him terribly. Good news he actually flew up here in mid-June with me and helped me settle, and move Joy around. Little did we know that two weeks later he'd be flying home for her funeral. I'm going to be in Cancun again in two weeks, but just for a visit and my nephews baptism. We are the Godparents!!!!

Well, again, my blog is all over the place but I thought I needed to write a brief post explaining where this Chica was at!!!

Joy, I will forever have you in my heart, and you were the most amazing person I had the pleasure to love and know. Non-judgemental, and always living up to your name. Joy you are my angel, and I am so happy you have now found peace. Until we meet again..... I love you.

www.hopeforjoy.ca

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. That is a beautiful picture of her.

KfromMichigan said...

You have been through much grief, so sorry for your loss. Spending those final days with our loved ones is very comforting (for them and yourself).

Barb said...

awww, honey, I'm so sorry. Even though it's comforting that she's no longer suffering, it's still hard to let our loved ones go. I'm so glad you got to spend time with Joy. I'm sure it meant a lot to her. Big hugs to you, sweetie.

Jackie said...

I am so sorry for you and your family. Losing a loved one is never easy. I send you a hug.

Unknown said...

So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderfull person and I am sure she loved having you there with her.

Anonymous said...

Sorry again to hear about Joy, but I'm glad you were there with her.

Have fun in Calgary, and I hope to see you in Cancun soon!

ElleCancun said...

Greengagirl - Welcome!! I'll have to check out your blog!!!! Thank you for your comment ...Much appreciated :) That was taken in Australia about 6 months after her diagnosis!

Kay - Thank you for your kind words amiga!! It was very hard watching her suffer, and spending time with her was worth every minute.... For us both I am sure :)

Barb - Thanks for the hug amiga!! You are so right, so much better now that she is no longer suffering..ALS is awful.... :( I with it on no one (obviously!!!)

Jackie - Thanks so much!!! Yes, losing a loved one that I was so close to was VERY difficult, and especially when she was still so young, and full of life!!!

Lisa - Thanks amiga - she was truly wonderful....I would say that about her if she were still here. We were very lucky, and I am so lucky she was in my life for so many years :)

Laura - Thanks amiga!! Yes, I'll be in Cancun in 2 weeks for a little while and we'll have to get together one night/day if you have time!

One Small Voz said...

My sincere sympathies, amiga. Missed hearing from you bug glad you are surrounded by the comfort of family and friends back home. Abrazos*

shannon said...

Back to work after a Canadian long weekend and to my surprise an update, however a sad update.
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Please take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and in a better place. Losing a loved one is extremely difficult and only time will help ease your pain.
Sending you cyber hugs!(take care of yourself!)

ElleCancun said...

Thank you so much to EVERYONE for your comments!!!

It has been a crazy 8 weeks, and trying to move on!!

Watching someone suffer for 2 long years is not something I wish on anyone, but I know Joy would want us to live life large!

Thanks again :)

Meredith said...

This is the first time I've run across your blog, but I read this and wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. ALS is a terrible disease; at least you can rest assured that Joy is no longer suffering. Take care.