10-21-21 Women Power (and a community loss)
Today was as satisfying as yesterday, mostly filled with working on the same file. I was interrupted only by heartstring moments.
First, as I was eating lunch at my desk and scrolling Facebook, I learned that our local cobbler, a lovely man named Fred had passed away. He was also a client of mine and I am very sad to have learned that. I reached out to see if anyone could connect me to his family so I could pass on his paperwork. A man responded with a private message who turned out to be his best friend and we had good long messages this evening, making a plan. I also asked him how our one mutual friend on Facebook is my Mom’s cousin only to find they were roommates back in the day. Another lovely small world connection. I really appreciated that his first question was to ask if Fred owed me for any work and I of course said no. It was my pleasure knowing him and he fixed my motorcycle saddle bag, two pairs of Fluevogs, and numerous other shoes for nominal fees. He actually fixed the one pair of Fluevogs that Vancouver cobblers declined being able to. I only wish he had been able to follow through on his dream to train someone else to take over. He will be missed for his kindness, gift of gab and service in the community.
Second, I was in the middle of things when my phone buzzed an incoming FaceTime and it was Jackie!!! I have tried several times to reach out to her and not gotten an answer. I had pretty much gotten sad and withdrawn, begun to consider her lost to me… and there she was. I know she understood everything I said by her varied responses. I always felt like she was my big sister and that is the kind of communication that is special. I know the way to just rattle off things and read her responses. I was able to let her know of a few mutual friends who have died on Salt Spring and ask her if she is reading any good books to which she definitely said no but showed me 4 different adult coloring books which she opened to the beautiful work she is doing. They really are like the Doodle Art of the 70s now. She let me know to take a deep breath and get through October. I wish I could have spoken longer but I had so much to accomplish. So grateful to be reconnected!!
Third, at 5 pm I met my sweet friend Stacey at Grapes and Suds to bottle our two kinds of fruit wines that her sweet husband Lance paid for. We made Blackberry Blast and Pomegranate Wild-berry. A fun time was had and she was sassy as usual which always puts me in a very good mood. I am grateful that a client that some people found standoffish at the firm I used to work for, turned out to be a dear friend. I think this relationship will last a lifetime.
Fourth, I rushed from the bottling to grab my gear and head to Shield Maidens. There I got to spar with my friend Christie, who I am grateful for getting me into this and also with 10 or so other girls and women who blow me away with their acceptance and skills. Everyone is just so respectful and fun and into being our best selves. That sounds so cliché but it’s true. There are all ages (I am sure I am the oldest ranging down to 11)(She towers over me!), all skill levels and all manner of personalities. I am just grateful that they accept me at the level that I am at. Joel is a great Guro and is fabulous at building us up at the level we are at. I am slowly learning the moves while being careful to protect my hip and my brain. I see my Physiotherapist next week to confirm what is good or bad with my Iliac Crest issue. I already know to protect my brain so it may not be the best choice to take up a sport that involves boxing gloves but I can not stress enough how much it relates me!!
triumphgal 