Reflections on 2010

1. My sister, Sylvana (Silvana, Sylvia) passed on December 19, the twelfth anniversary of our mother’s death. In February, she phone, told me to sit down,

Sylvana

and explained that tests had revealed what was believed to be ovarian cancer. She made me promise not to worry, because she was certain she could beat it as she had beaten breast cancer seven years before. Visits with my sister are what I will remember most when I think of this year. We drank tea, searched for answers, taught each other to let go. We spoke of our children, our parents, our husbands, God, mercy, suffering. We ate (when she could) and sipped wine (when she could). Mostly we held hands and desperately held on to hope.

 

2. My youngest daughter, Gillian, graduated high school and went off to McGill. I learned that we could share our days by texting. I glued my I Phone to my hip and learned to check it at every opportunity. Texting is my new favourite thing.

 

3. My daughter, Caitlin, graduated from UWO with a master’s degree and announced she wanted to go to England to complete a PhD beginning next year. I and my daughters have claimed Italian citizenship, something I just recently learned was possible. An EU passport should help Caitlin to realize her dream.
 

4. James Richard Mittag, Caitlin’s love, has become very much a part of the family.
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Samantha (Sammy) Rose, our first springer spaniel passed on March 11. She was suffering from lung cancer at 12 years of age. I held her in our home as the technician injected the pale purple contents of the vile into her leg. She died in my arms.
 
   
 
6. Abigail (Abby) Rose, our new springer spaniel, came to us bringing joy and healing.
 
 
 
 
 
7. The bond I share with my brother and father thickened.
 
 
 
 
 
8. I grew closer to my nephew, Jeff, realizing the depth of his love and character.
 
 
 
 

9. I wrote very little this year, my hands occupied with holding on. Funny, pens seemed elusive all year, not to be found or not working. I hope that will change soon.

10. This has been a year of withdrawing from world affairs, focusing on more immediate things and feeling quite vulnerable. I watched The National less than ever, read fewer newspapers, read less in general. Books are piling high on my desk and I look forward to widening my view again.

Enough.

Advertisement