Consequences

Well, I spoke too soon about my triumph over Novembers. It seems that November wanted to hold out its punishment and dole it out in one cruel week of vengeance. Through a failed car inspection, and plenty of expensive car repairs to run ins with the boss and a painful last day of work, November if finally done. However, the month ended by providing us with a painful reminder about the consequences of our move. My grandfather has been ailing for awhile now, but he took a turn for the worst last weekend, and after a massive heart attack and many other afflictions he passed away Saturday night. Luckily my parents were able to make it up to Vernon to be with him in his last days, but a death in the immediate family reminds us just how far away we really are. We were able to speak with my parents and grandfather's wife- Vicki, but speaking on the phone is nothing compared to being able to be there and support your family. A sad event like this just hits home that our choice to live down here borders on the selfish side.
My grandfather's passing was not the only difficult thing we had to deal with this year. As many of you know, Blake's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, and has gone through a long and strenuous battle with 6 rounds of chemo and countless trips to Prince George. It was very difficult to stand aside this year and offer only verbal support. Joel was able to make it home to be with Reita a few times, but we were unable to just drive up for the weekend. We are so very thankful that Reita is now in remission and was given a clean bill of health in September.
Of course we are not the only ones this year who have had to deal with illness and tragedies from afar. Of our friends, one has had her father pass, another is home with his father as we speak. A close friend is still watching his father battle cancer and another has a nephew who is very ill. We do all we can from afar, and go home when the time and money permits, but the distance between us and our loved ones is massive. To fly home Blake and I look at nearly 18 hours of travel and at least 4 flights. Although we chose to live in Paradise and were aware of the consequences, it is not without deep sadness that we bid my grandfather goodbye and send our thoughts and wishes out to those back home.

Pictured above: Blake and his Reita on our visit this fall. My last visit with my grandfather.