Where have I been for 2 months? Welll…

Since my last post, I sprained my right upper leg muscle (groin) doing something stupid. That has taken almost 3 months to settle down. I still have to be careful.

Then March 16, my big brother Casey died. I was devastated as we all were…our sister, his 3 wonderful kids. He was the nicest guy. One of my favorite men on the planet. He would get along with anybody. And if a person turned out to be a jerk, he would mutter a couple of things and walk away. Seriously. He didn’t bother with someone who wasn’t going to be genuine…as a friend or acquaintance.

We used to text a lot. We’re from Chicago. He was one of the Chicago Cubs’ biggest fans. And Da Bears. The Bears have had a tough few years. Since I’m now in the Boston area we don’t get the Bears games that much. So I would text during games and ask how they did. He would usually say they lost. My typical response was “Virginia needs to sell.” Virginia McCaskey was the long time owner. She recently died at the age of 101 (or 102?). She was George Halas’ daughter. Halas was one of the original founders of the NFL

My brother wasn’t really sick. The past 3 years he fought a lesion in his inner ear for which he had a laser treatment. The treatment worked but he seemed to go downhill after that. Not sure why. But he didn’t linger for months. Nevertheless, he’s gone. His 3 children did a beautiful job arranging his funeral. And since he was a Viet Nam War veteran, there was a flag and short military ceremony at his funeral. So all in all a beautiful send-off. And since my sister-in-law died 14 years ago, they added a small picture of her in the casket. She was in her wedding dress. I just know they are sooooo happy together now in the afterlife. We’ll survive here with the wonderful memories.

And of course a month later we celebrated Easter. Pascha as we call it in the Orthodox Church. It was big and glorious and of course, exhausting. It always is. And I made such a good Easter dinner complete with some traditional Polish dishes. And being Polish, we bless our Easter baskets as well. Easter eggs, kielbasa, horseradish for the kielbasa…haha! But it’s special. Holidays have some traditions that make them so special. And we all look forward to that.

Now we wind down. Time to look forward to the warm spring and summer months. Relax, sort of. Ha! Whoever relaxes anymore! And get used to life without certain people. Regroup.

I’m so much better after my emergency back surgery 18 months ago. But still putting on the final touches of getting stronger and pursuing my life again. So much change in the past 5 years. And illness amongst people I know…both family and friends. A couple of deaths. And now the Pope has died as well. It seems 2025 is one of those years that really changes our lives. It certainly didn’t start out spectacularly. Hopefully that will wind down and we’ll start a period of more calm and less personal anxiety.

You know, they always talk about being a Senior Citizen, which I am, as a time when you can relax, travel, enjoy life after years of working etc. I am wondering when that actually starts. Ha! So far it’s been pandemic, losing a music studio, best music pal dying, major back surgery, long time superb voice teacher dying, big brother dying, friend at Church dying…you get the gist. When does the party begin? Or does it ever?

Lots to think about in life. So how is 2025 going for you so far? How are you handling it? I think that’s really the point. How do we handle the curves and bombs thrown at us in life. They’re supposed to help mold us into who we are.

I guess they do! How about you?

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