Hello from Gilbert, Arizona.
We left Greensboro yesterday afternoon – a day ahead of schedule due to the uncertainty of the behavior of Hurricane Florence.
If we waited until TODAY to fly out, we could have been hammered by rain and wind, not knowing how it would affect flying times.
This weekend is one thing I just can NOT miss. It was better to come early.
It amazes me that it was just a month ago we were in England. And how quickly the following weeks have flown by.
My sharing of photos from that trip stopped as other things took precedence in the “NOW.”
And going into a few hard days ahead, I think it’s a good time to get these other happier times off of the back burner.
Bath, UK!
This is the second time I’ve been in this lovely city, and I was able to notice things I had not payed nearly as much attention to as before.
Wide lovely streets!
One end of the Royal Crescent --
To the other! It won’t fit all in one shot.
Our group listening aptly to our guide as he points out highlights along the way.
Sneaking in a selfie -
This one – isn’t it postcard worthy??
Street scenes.
Tall spires and narrow streets near our hotel.
Beautiful flower boxes over a pub.
And that bike? Photo-perfection!
Evening - lights just coming on.
I made a little video of our panoramic walking tour where we stopped to enjoy not only the Royal Crescent, but also The Circus – it is just like stepping into a Jane Austen novel!
Click to play:
The night above – Irene and I made a pilgrimage down to the Abbey where evening services were just beginning.
Bath Abbey.
Photos weren’t allowed inside, understandable. And no pictures were needed as we in turn lit candles for loved ones – Irene for her father-in-law, and me for Mark.
And also – because we’d had an event from within our group that I haven’t been able to express.
We lit candles. We let prayer for those we loved fill our hearts. No words were necessary. We sat and listened to some lovely music.
It has taken some time to come to terms with this, along with everything else. Life is so very fleeting and we all process things in our own way in our own time.
One of our lovely tour members passed away, experiencing a very quick demise on our bus – the very first day we arrived in Birmingham. We’d only been on our panoramic tour for about 15 minutes when we had to stop the bus and pull over. Something was wrong with one of our travelers.
We really CAN be here one day, and gone the next – or gone in minutes as was her case. I haven’t been able to talk about it. I couldn’t find the words. And now that it has been a month, I’ve got my own family grieving to deal with as well.
I am unable to give names or further information. We had a nurse on the bus with us that jumped right in. The ambulance was called – she was taken to the hospital. But it was a shock for our whole group, and our first couple of days were quite rocky.
But let me say this – when it is my time to go, I want to be busy doing what I loved to do, surrounded by those I wanted to be with. And I believe this is the case here.
Our Craftours group really bonded together during this time, we linked arms and held each other up.
Beautiful Bath.
The countryside overlooking the city on our way back
from the American Museum by bus.
Quiltville Quote of the Day
Quilt photo from the American Museum in Bath, UK.
As I head towards this weekend with family gathering for my brother's memorial service, I'm finding it difficult for my heart to remain calm.
This quote captured me this morning. There are a lot of things unresolved, but they don't need to be resolved all at once, or immediately.
I can choose patience.
16 comments:
Oh, dear! This post just proves that you never really know what other people are struggling with behind the scenes. You've shared w us about your dear brother, but here you've also been carrying this tragic event from the UK in your heart, as well. I hope this weekend is a time of comfort and healing for you and your family.
Life is so very precious. Enjoy your time with your family and friends. It is a very good thing for you all at this time. Still praying for you all.
I can't imagine all that's been on your heart these past weeks. Prayers for comfort and peace for you and your family in the coming days and weeks.
Oh, Bonnie. I hear ya. I want to go the same way - surrounded by folks that get me, that love what I love and fast! Bless her, her family and all of the group! Yes, we can move on at any minute. Something to remember when we are being hard on ourselves or others, when we aren't happy or when we are not being in the moment. xoxox
Thank you Bonnie. For sharing and for your insight. Please know that you are loved.
As you head into this weekend my prayers are with you and with Jeff also who has elected to stay home and safeguard the house and pets. Is he prepared to deal with a very neurotic Sadie as the weather worsens. The storms will freak her out but Jeff will deal maybe someone can do a Facebook live for and others that have been unable to get there. Was Jason able to get time off, l hope so. Prayers to all of yours from all of ours. Lord bless you
Love the selfie!!!
Wow, Bonnie. You just never know. I also want to be doing something I enjoy when it’s my time to go. I certainly don’t want to be at work! That would be too sad! How fortunate there was a nurse there, so y’all know they did what they could, it just didn’t work. I hope you will feel some peace soon
Thanks for sharing! I totally understand if you don't Blog the rest of your time in Az. My heart is with you. I did it twice last year.
I'm so sorry Bonnie.....I can empathize with you after my brother in law past from brain cancer, my father in law passed 14 months later. Six months to te day we lost my other brother in law and his wife in a car accident. I thought my world was going to end soon, just beside myself. Sometimes it was seconds at a time that I felt I could take a breath. Sometimes a minute. It has been 6 yrs and there are times it feels like yesterday. I try to surround myself around those that I love and only positivity. Life is to short for negativity and drama. Stay positive, Be you...Hugs and I pray for strength for you and your family now and for the days following. Family first quilting later when you are ready. All will understand.
Thank you for speaking at last of what happened in England. I am that nurse. It is appropriate to recognize her passing amoung all of these wonderful quilters who read your blog and can say a prayer for her. Such a nice lady.
When it is my turn to go, let me be having a great time with the best of friends. Please find comfort that those who have passed will know they are loved and forever remembered.
Thank you Nurse Kathy
Thank you for sharing with us. Your courage and strength are amazing. Your blog is the only one I look forward to and read faithfully every day. Continued prayers for you and your family. I hope we bring you some comfort in this difficult time. You give so much to us.
You certainly have had more than your share of tragedy surrounding you lately, Bonnie (and that hurricane hitting the Carolinas is nothing to sneeze at either). My thoughts and prayers with you at this trying time, thank you for sharing (as each of us likely has our own tragedies going on as we read about yours and know "we are not alone" in our suffering). Take care of yourself! ~Diana from Toronto
O Bonnie! Mark will be missed by all who loved him. Our heart is right there with you!
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