Most of you know that today, 17 January, is the one year anniversary of Janet’s death.
I continue to do OK, but it is for me a complex process. I won’t go into too much detail about that aspect of it. Some days are kind of dark. However, I mostly get to have lots of great times. We are having wonderful classes on Computers and Boat Stuff, swapping movies, books, talking with some wonderful people, and going to Concerts and Camel Wrestling. I got a new 2TB, tiny, USB3 powered hard drive, for swapping movies, for a fair price and with quick delivery from a nice computer shop here in town. Many good things are happening.
The soundbite is, “I’m doing okay, but I miss Janet like crazy.”
Not all that long ago, some really bad things were going on. Especially, but certainly not limited to, from the Summer of 2012 until I returned to Alegria in March 2013.
I am working through those memories, but like the tag line that I usually add to my emails. I have a lot of years of great memories, so, I think that I will concentrate on them.
I am getting some thorny issues resolved aboard Alegria, but many are on the to do list.
I wish things were better, but all in all, I am doing OK. Thanks for the prayers, well wishes, positive brain waves, or whatever you offer. They are all appreciated, very much.
David
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
―EXACTLY where did Dr. Seuss say that? I love it, but what is the real origin?
Alegria1976's Blog 
Yes, I do remember this day and I mentioned it last night to Bob. Hard to believe it has been a year but she will live long in our memories and hearts. I hope you find the pain of losing her getting easier to live with day by day but you will always have the memories. It’s always good to hear from you and keep up with your life on the ocean… You take care. Nancy , Bob & Chloe
We at Inner Harbor East will always remember you and Janet. I’m sure you miss her. Capt. Bill
Thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts throughout the year, Dave, both the fun and easy ones and the not-fun and difficult ones. You expand our world. You and Janet both worked as a team to get through those dark days with love and grace that was inspiring to all. As you reflect upon those times, please know that you did all that was humanly possible to do, and honor yourselves for that. Extra special love to you on this one year anniversary of Janet’s passing. Hugs, Patrick & Lindi
According to Wikipedia there is some dispute whether he actually should get the credit
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Often attributed to Dr. Seuss without a citation of source, this is also cited as an anonymous proverb.
This quote has also been attributed to Gabriel García Márquez, in Spanish: “No llores porque ya se terminó… sonríe, porque sucedió.”
Whoever said it first, it’s a great sentiment and one I’m sure Janet would be glad you are trying to live by.
I was actually thinking about Janet last weekend and wishing I had the recipe for her aubergine thingummyjig starter which I remember as being very tasty.
Thinking of you, Gill
Positive brainwaves and lots of love from all the Pacific Northwest Heaths. Janet is in our hearts, always. You’re in there somewhere, too. ;-)
David – I miss her and you so much, and I know that she is still connected to you. My aunt here in Texas, is also diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has stopped chemo treatment, and wants her remaining time to be spent with her family and friends. She has been a 2nd mother and wonderful friend, and everytime I see her I think of Janet’s beautiful smiling face and funny “baldy or curly” signatures. Luv you and miss you!
Is No Death by J. L. McCreery
There is no death! The stars go down
To rise upon some other shore,
And bright in heaven’s jeweled crown
They shine forevermore.
There is no death! The forest leaves
Convert to life the viewless air;
The rocks disorganize to feed
The hungry moss they bear.
There is no death! The dust we tread
Shall change, beneath the summer showers
To golden grain, or mellowed fruit,
Or rainbow-tinted flowers.
There is no death! The leaves may fall,
And flowers may fade and pass away–
They only wait, through wintry hours,
The warm, sweet breath of May.
There is no death! The choicest gifts
That heaven hath kindly lent to earth
Are ever first to seek again
The country of their birth.
And all things that for growth or joy
Are worthy of our love or care,
Whose loss has left us desolate,
Are safely garnered there.
Though life becomes a desert waste,
We know it’s fairest, sweetest flowers,
Transplanted into Paradise,
Adorn immortal bowers.
The voice of birdlike melody
That we have missed and mourned so long,
Now mingles with the angel choir
In everlasting song.
There is no death! Although we grieve
When beautiful, familiar forms
That we have learned to love are torn
From our embracing arms–
Although with bowed and breaking heart,
With sable garb and silent tread,
We bear their senseless dust to rest,
And say that they are “dead,”
They are not dead! They have but passed
Beyond the mists that blind us here
Into the new and larger life
Of that serener sphere.
They have but dropped their robe of clay
To put their shining raiment on;
They have not wandered far away–
They are not “lost nor “gone.”
Though disenthralled and glorified
They still are here and love us yet;
The dear ones they have left behind
They never can forget.
And sometimes, when our hearts grow faint
Amid temptations fierce and deep,
Or when the wildly raging waves
Of grief or passion sweep,
We feel upon our fevered brow
Their gentle touch, their breath of balm;
Their arms enfold us, and our hearts
Grow comforted and calm.
And ever near us, though unseen,
The dear, immortal spirits tread–
For all the boundless universe
Is Life–there are no dead!