This was almost it! I was going to toss my hat and tell you I would no longer talk to you every week.
Why? A couple weeks ago my husband Al received news about his health that seemed to hold not much hope. The lung cancer we thought had gone returned to have another go at him.
With the possibility of chemotherapy in his future I thought there is just no way I can find time to write this column.
It was then my selfish thoughts came to settle on so many of you that I know these many years have suffered illness and loss of your own.
Some have seen a spouse pass away from a prolonged illness or a sudden death.
Others I know watch as they lose their loved one to the long goodbye, Alzeimer’s disease.
Friends I know have lost siblings, parents, and dear friends. They have not thrown their hands in the air shouting “I give up!” So I won’t either.
I think as I write this column about the offers of help of many kinds that have come our way. A dear friend from down the street has been at the ready to transport Al to the hospital or bus. Another friend came and split wood and made a big heap of kindling.
Family has kept in touch from Ontario, California and closer by. Many heart felt notes have come in on the e-mail thing. So many sent notes I thought I should really get some of them deleted. Then I decided what better medicine could there be than notes and prayers from friends when times get tough?
I know there are others who might have this very week or day received bad news in the health department. I talk to those of you who have had breast cancer, heart surgery and all manner of major procedures. My new thought about all of you when we speak is dignity. You all seem to have such great dignity.
Remember if you do not have a lot of support from family or friends make sure you check out the Northern Health Care Bus for cheap travel. Go to the Cancer Society office to find out other possible assistance.
If you need help, tell someone about your problem. I know first hand that the good people in the Bulkley Valley will do all they can to make your life a bit better.
So, I will continue to talk to you, share your topic suggestions and continue to enjoy our meeting in town.
As a little aside the For the Birds column will no longer be in the paper. An editorial change. Still, please feel you can call your bird reports in and if I do not ramble on too much there could be a bit of space to tell others of your interesting sightings.
Those calls will come to 250-846-5095 or just send an e-mail note to mallory@bulkley.net.