Friday, July 1, 2016

saving up














I've been in a swirl of activity.  

Within one week's time:

 I attended my cousin's daughter's wedding and spent a fun evening with lots of family.

 Celebrated a friend's birthday.

 Had a wonderful girl's night out and dinner with two fun friends.

Drove to Minneapolis for a day with Nolan and Rick.

Spent a Friday night shopping, with Nolan, at the Mall of America. We bonded over Birkenstocks. 

Attended a viewing of a documentary I was honored to be in.

Spent the most beautiful and perfect lake day at a friend's lake cabin.

Had cousins visit from Alaska...

Took oodles of pictures- way more than I can possibly share.

Then my feet came back down to earth as I detoured through Roger Maris for Infusion on Tuesday.  I've been knocked back a bit ever since.  Tired, achy, and nauseous- with a swollen hand leaving me inept at typing again.

So I've been reflective too...

Many years ago I heard sage advice from my uncle Emery.  Isn't it funny how we never know what words uttered might be the ones remembered?

Uncle Emery told stories that made you laugh until your sides hurt.  With his thick Norwegian accent he could tell you the funniest Ole and Lena jokes.  He was a master entertainer and we loved going to  my uncle and aunt's house for the holiday celebrations.

Sadly, just months after he retired many years ago,  Emery was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Rick and I lived in Idaho during this time.  Through the phone my mom would relay the news in bits and pieces.

As his time here on earth waned, he grew more quiet, and had Hospice nurses helping to take care of him.  My mom said the silence was utterly devastating... until that last time he spoke.

In fact, Emery had a resurgence.  And asked if the pastor could come- to sing hymns.  So the family gathered round the bed and to everyone's disbelief, a beautiful, strong voice emerged, one they hadn't heard before.  Mom could only shake her head in wonderment  as she discovered the voice singing was Emery's.

Finally, someone had to ask.  Emery?  All these years, and we never knew you could sing like that?

I can practically hear the words coming from his mouth, myself.

That thick Norwegian lilt to his voice, "Well, dontcha know, I've been saving up!"

Oh the laughter that ensued!  Leave it to my uncle to leave them all with laugher on their lips, and tears in their eyes.  We knew the treasure we were losing during that time.


But those words stayed.  I realized not long ago- its exactly what I do as well.  I've been saving up for these days- like the ones from above.

I spent so much time in bed this past year.  Weak.  Sad.  Dull.  Longing.  For these days.

And now I'm stringing together all my words, to ensure, I'm living it up good!

I'm:

 Embracing.  Choosing.  Reaching.  Becoming.  Connecting.

Living my moments full.

Living my legacy.

I have this deep-seated resolve- to live all my moments, while I still have them.

I've been "saving up, dontcha know."



























24 comments:

  1. Love the pictures at the lake. Looks like a wonderful visit. Why is pancreatic cancer so brutal? Our pastor was diagnosed in November 2015 and passed away June 16 at age 58. Moorepark Community Church in Three Rivers, Michigan will miss him.. Love the attitude you're adopting. Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.
    Lynda in Michigan

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    1. Hi Lynda, how nice to see you pop in here. I'm so very sorry to hear about your pastor- may he rest in peace. I'm trying to keep hold of the attitude that seems to help me the most- not always easy, but I try again each time I don't get it quite right :) Happy 4th of July to you and yours!

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  2. vicky….i loved this and i love your attitude….and "don't cha know" has been our on going statement to each other and the kids after having just spent a week up "nort" in the woods……

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    1. Ha- Up Nort in the woods- Yep- you bethca! We're steeped in these... I saw a girl last night wearing an Uff-Da shirt- she was very pregnant and it was quite funny. Happy 4th of July to you and yours!

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  3. But yet you still gave us so much during the last year. Glad you are able to spend what you've been saving, dear Vicky. Beautiful pics and I've loved the lake and the memories you e shared there through the years. Tell us where we can see this documentary, please. Love you.

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    1. Robynn- keeping my mind active and transplanting some of my reflections and musings here is truly what keeps me going! Plus having all of you show up and cheer me on is simply the best medicine! Love you!

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    2. Robynn, the documentary is being submitted to all kinds of film festivals starting in August- and then at some point it will be released for public viewing and I will definitely let everyone know when it will be!

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    3. Thank you, Vicky. I eagerly anticipate it. XO

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  4. You have to be the most beautiful person I have ever known.

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    1. Love this! Me too! I couldn't agree more!!

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    2. Hilary- gulp- I'm so deeply humbled by your words. I have no words- just a heartfelt thank you- it takes a beautiful person to say that about someone. xoxo

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  5. Beautiful. Wonderful. What Hilary said.

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    1. Thank you- you're always so gracious and it simply humbles me so...

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  6. Oh honey,
    You ARE living your legacy. I am crying tears of JOY as I read all of the activities you relished and the LOVE and LIFE you soaked in. What an antidote to such a hard year...time in the sun with friends and family you love. I can see how precious this time has been by the wide and infectious grin on Colton's face. And you are as cute as a bug...with hair growing back too! Wishing you more moments of PURE JOY as you live all of your moments !! Thank you for reminding me to live my moments too!

    Love you so much...to the moon and back!
    Linda

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    1. We're relishing these days and feel so thankful for them. So incredibly blessed... my words can't match the amount of gratitude I feel. Love you friend- to the moon and all the way back!

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  7. What a great batch of photos and experiences. I'm sorry you've had a rough week since your infusion. I'm in awe of how you live your legacy, come what may. God bless you, Vicky.

    P.S. relatives from Alaska? I was born and raised in Anchorage :)

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    1. Hi Susan- oh how I've loved following your travels. Rick's cousins moved to Alaska, gosh, quite a few years ago, now, originally having grown up in North Dakota. They are raising two young daughters and were so delightful to have come and visit for a night!

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  8. Beautiful lake shots. Just exquisite. And you made your uncle come alive for us. What a gift! I'm really looking forward to seeing you soon friend. Love to you and awaiting coffee time. XXOO

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    1. So happy to read these words again today, and smiling that we had coffee and spoken words between us! Always a bright spot on my horizon.

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  9. Agreeing with Hilary--nodding and hugging you from here.

    This post, as always, is giving me holy goosebumps.

    Your Writing--
    Your Heart.

    Love,
    Julie

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    1. "Holy goosebumps," is a gem and a true Miss Julie gift to me. So thankful for your gracious words from your beautiful heart-xoxo

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  10. I'm so glad you are doing well! When I don't see a post, I worry. Do you have an e-mail I could write to you at?

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    1. Hi Genny- you can email me at vwestra14@gmail.com

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