Prairie Dog Blog

Have you ever seen a sunset so beautiful? I took this picture on my way home from a visit to J and L's Ranch. The beautiful colours of the sunset are reflected in a puddle of spring melt-off. This prairie crocus will miss the beauties of the prairies and they are many. This is just one of them. I pity people who say, "There is nothing to see on the prairies." Every place has its beauty. I have a children's book that describes the beauties of the prairie. It's called, If You're Not From The Prairie...

I have been very busy saying goodbye to people and places. I went to the Reh-fit Centre for the last time today. It was sad to think Dennis never got to see the renovated building. We went there three times a week and for him the social aspect was as important as the workout. He spent just as much time talking to his friends as he did on the bikes or walking the track. He would have loved the new building.

I said goodbye to some of my friends there. Cathy, the nurse with the great sense of humour. Dennis enjoyed her wit. Tammy, a receptionist, a tiny, quiet, shy person Dennis used to tease. Henry, an accountant who gave Dennis a very funny CD of some Motown songs done in the style of bluegrass. Bradley, a young, buff fire-fighter who is also a substitute teacher and once asked Dennis where was a good place to take woman out to dinner, but not too expensive. Paul, who works as a cook at a nunnery and had the same endocrinologist as Dennis. Helga, whose friendship with me began when she heard of Dennis' death. Gail, a widow who lost her beloved husband five years ago. Dennis used to listen to her husband Jim whose speech was quite impaired from a stroke and pretend he could understand what Jim was saying. Dennis was so concerned for Gail when Jim died - he made a point of hugging her the first time she came back to the reh-fit. He knew how hard it was for her to go there alone. He was so empathic. Elaine, who was going through the pain of separation. Norm, who also volunteered at the Western Canada Aviation Museum. My friends at the Reh-fit were so intertwined with Dennis and his social life that it feels like another loss. Another chapter in the book of my life has come to an end.

Stay tuned. The Prairie Crocus is going to be transplanted to the west coast.

The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Henry David Thoreau