March 15th – My Dad entered “Hospice” care. Hospice care is an amazing thing. It is not a hospital, it is not palative care. It is caring and warm and loving and above all dignified. My undying gratitude goes out to our Hospice caregivers/workers.
March 17/18th – St. Patrick’s Day. My favourite day of the year.
I gave a “Good Bye” speech to a group of people that mean a great deal to me and who I admire immensely.
Received phone calls, messages and cards reminding me it was my birthday. Hmmm.
March 26th – Started judging Promax/BDA 2011 India. I love judging all the Promax/BDA competitions. It always amazes me the caliber of talent available all over the world. (I have to admit I had forgotten this was in the mix.)
March 30th – Started production on the most current issue of our book.
My Dad passed away.
March 31st – In Production
Continued judging the Promax/BDA Awards.
April 1st – In Production
Completed judging the Promax/BDA Awards
April 2nd – In Production.
Baby Ellee Rose had her 1st birthday party. Nothing feels better than holding a baby. Especially Ellee. It was a wonderful celebration of life and all that is good about it. The hope & promise of the future and what it will hold for this wonderful child. Ellee out did herself performing as she reveled in the cards, gifts and love showered on her. Oh, and cake. Did I mention the cake? She really enjoyed the cake.
Ellee is truly one of the great blessings in my life. Thank you Ashlee for bringing her into our lives.
I really like attending the Lacrosse games with my family. I have to admit this night I only attended so that I could scream out loud at the top of my lungs and know one would notice. Very therapeutic.
April 3rd – In Production.
The afternoon was spent at the funeral home visitation for my Dad. There was a wonderful turnout of friends and family to share their sympathies and support. I thank you all for being there.
The evening visitation started with a “Poppy Service” provided by the Veterans. What an amazing service. My Dad was a Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He would have been grinning ear to ear with pride watching my nephew (his grandson) and his wife, who are both currently serving our country, and my brothers who are also veterans, participate in this moving ceremony in their uniforms. We were all allowed to participate by placing poppies with my Dad. I can’t thank the Veterans enough for providing this honour for my Dad.
Of course, there was again a wonderful turnout of friends and family and I again thank you all for being there.
April 4th – Dad’s funeral. Bagpipes, tributes and more poppys. A celebration of the life of a man I loved and admired with all my heart. Along with many others, I will miss him more than I can say.
In Production.
April 5th – In Production.
April 6th – The final steps of Production.
Finished a large format print job that has been set aside this past week.
I was to attend the retirement party of my dear friend Line today. I had been looking forward to celebrating with this amazing woman as she moves on to the next exciting chapter in her life. I know you will forgive me for not being there, Line, and you know I love and admire you.
Final changes to book.
The book is finally uploaded to press.
April 7th & 8th – My gift to me.
I am closing the door, turning off the phone, turning off the computer and taking two days to be by myself to do what I need to do for me (I’m sure tears will be involved). No cause for alarm or worry. I just need to do this for me. I will see you in a bit.
It’s all good.
Silkpurseproductions's Blog 
Take care michelle and cuddle up with yourself while regaining the needed balance that comes after a heavy loss.
The busy moments of the last few days kept the mind off of serious issues, but now the time is to settle back and find the inner core that keeps us all within the framework of life.
Take care michelle,
love and hugs, bud
Thank you Bud,
Wise words to live by. I hope you do the same for yourself after your recent loss.
Love and hugs back at you, Bud.
M
Michelle,
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m sending you thoughts of love and strength, and am sure that taking time for yourself these two days will help start the healing process.
Take care, my friend!
Beatrice
Beatrice,
Thank you for always reading and caring. I didn’t make it the full two days. I had the total melt down on the first day and felt much better the second. It is a process.
See you soon,
M
Michelle, I was sorry to hear of your loss. You will miss your Dad very much and memories will be so precious now. I’m glad you are taking these couple of days to retreat and ponder and renew. In one of my books I’ve called it “healthy selfishness” … one of the nicest things you can do for yourself and those you care about. It’s good to be in touch … I miss you and your hugs each time I go on TV!
Much love,
Sue Augustine
Thank you Sue, It truly is lovely to hear from you. I love your term “healthy selfishness”. That is exactly how it felt.
We will have to get together and catch up on some of those hugs even if it isn’t on TV.
M
Oh Michelle:
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. A piece of history has gone now but it’s tucked away safely in your heart never to be forgotten.
Take care of yourself my friend and I will see you soon.
Pat
Thank you Pat, I hadn’t really thought of it as a tribute, but you may be right. When I write about people or events it is often my way of making a record so I will remember to remember.
Yes, you will see me soon.
Tomorrow night in fact.
I am looking forward to it.
M
In honouring yourself for two days, you have honoured your father. The memories that will come up for you, mixed with strong emotion will be the gifts of love you will carry in your heart forever!
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you, Michelle.
Thank you for that sentiment Michelle. It is quite lovely. In fact I may be quoting you in the future. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
Take care,
M