Eye Candy Friday 3/21/08
This is not one of my better moonrises, but it is indicative of how I have been feeling this past week and a half. My stomach flu morphed into a nasty all-over-body with concentration-on-the-chest flu. I have only had the flu one other time in my adult life. Each day, I got progressively worse. I was too sick to knit, too sick to read, and too sick to even sleep. I could sit up for short periods only. On Sunday, I got the sad news that my last living relative, (other than immediate family and cousins), a favorite uncle from out West, had passed away that morning. He was 86-years old, my mother's brother, and an angel. I was too sick to fly out for the funeral. My brother, his godson, wanted to fly out, but the airlines refused to offer bereavement prices due to the holiday, and he couldn't afford it. $1500. Hmm, the airlines are acknowledging a Christian holiday, but not acting very Christian-like by jacking the prices up on their tickets.
Five years ago, for a family funeral, my aunt and uncle came to Michigan to stay with me, and I really enjoyed having them. My uncle reminded me of my mom so much! They both had a great sense of humor. Before breakfast one day, my uncle drew hearts on every banana in the bunch, and then denied it, saying I must have bought them like that from the store. Now, he is the only man I have ever known who would do such a thing. He always opened car doors for my aunt, and then helped her out of the car, although she didn't need it. When he was around, she never touched a handle. My aunt would glow whenever he teased her, and although the sparks which glistened in their eyes was between them, it was brilliant enough for all to see.
The last time I spoke with him was Christmastime, and we had a delightful, long conversation. My aunt said that he had never talked to anyone so long on the phone before. He much preferred to see people face to face, but being so far away, it was all we had. We talked about all kinds of things. He acknowledged that he was getting old, and realized that he was the last living relative. He mentioned how much he missed my mom, and his other sister, and we both became tearful. It was so nice. I cried afterward, too. Thursday through Saturday of last week, I had strong feelings to call him. I was too sick to sit up and pick up the phone. I just didn't feel well enough.
Today is the first day I have gotten dressed in one week. I'm still not up to snuff, but I'm getting there. I'm ready for Spring to start.
may the moon look after you until the sun rises on you again. hug.
Posted by: Lisa W | March 22, 2008 at 01:34 AM
may the moon look after you until the sun rises on you again. hug.
Posted by: Lisa W | March 22, 2008 at 01:34 AM
So sad about your favorite uncle. How nice that you had nice chat at Christmas.
I am a moon-aholic and being at a high elevation in a smog-free location am always treated
to the most spectacular moons. Love you pic.
Everyone has caught that same bug. Purell, everywhere. Glad you are on the mend!
Posted by: Joan | March 22, 2008 at 05:18 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Madame Purl | March 25, 2008 at 12:56 AM
So sorry about your uncle. We've buried two friends in a month, it's a rough time.
And that flu? Me, too. I was down from Feb 4 to 29. I mean, totally on my back for 10 days, housebound, and then rubber-legged, no energy at all for 2 more weeks. I haven't been that sick since I was hospitalized with Hong Kong Flu in I think 1977. It's awful.
Hope you are feeling stronger now.
Posted by: LynnH | March 28, 2008 at 12:15 AM