I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

I'm sitting here on the eve of my birthday with Mister Man and a lovely glass of vino - looking back, gazing forward. And whoa-ho-ho, it's a doozy of a birthday. I'm about to roll over into a new decade. I now have to bid adieu to my 40's and *gulp* walk through the door that says "All ye who are 50, enter here". Yikes. How did that even happen? Wasn't I just 23 years old and completely irresponsible? And now I'm one hour away from the big five zero. Life. *snort of derision*

Of course the magnitude of this is amplified by the recent loss of the Mums. I can't imagine not speaking to her tomorrow - not hearing her voice croon in my ear and her laughter as I grump about getting creaky and not reading her birthday letter which was always so beautifully sentimental (I do come by it honestly)....

It's all been a bit surreal in the past few weeks and the only thing that's helped me get through each day are the amazing family members and friends who have poured nothing but vats of love into my universe.

First of all, before we left Newfoundland, a group of friends in Vancouver got together and put together the most amazing care package, filled with supportive and loving notes and all kinds of delectable goodies. They sent it priority post to Torbay, Newfoundland, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the moment during the return flight home when I opened a package of pink grapefruit gummy bears. For a few brief moments, everything seemed right with the universe.

I went back to work, my amazing and loving colleagues had put together another care package. And they understood my initial need to stay close to my desk and hardly speak above a whisper. They were so supportive....

And then, bit by bit, we started getting back to our life here. We headed downtown one night to see Diyan's video installation playing on a large outdoor screen on Granville Street.

We were SO proud!!

And bit by bit, we could travel further afield (though the homing chip in my brain is still might intense, and most nights I just want to be home with Mister Man). One night we ventured out to White Rock for a candlelight dinner in honour of Earth Hour. We ate like royalty and painted with light.

And the next morning, we headed out with Lori and Shayne for a fabulous breakfast at a local diner.

Lori looks a tad concerned because Mister Man ordered Haggis (and it wasn't even Robbie Burns day!)

We went to BBQ Club. I was even the featured BBQ chef (and for those who know me, you know I don't have a CLUE about the BBQ, so I chose to do the only thing I know how to do.

Yep. Them there's DAWGS....

But it turned out rather deliciously...

And that's where I am at 11:46 on the eve of my birthday. I can say that friends and family have pulled me through - and for that, I am profoundly grateful.....

See you in the next decade.