a tribute to my husband

LOL- I know I know- I am not exactly Ms. Sentimental -

but here is the thing- life is sometime like the Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi song-

"don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got til it's gone" and last night I was reminded of that again while dining with a woman I do not know named Laura.  I would describe it as - she was recently widowed - her partner of nine years Nick died ten weeks ago.  he was sick for a long time and was only 42.  I can only describe this woman as RAW with emotion and the newness of her loss. 

my friend Maryanne (who visited in February) also lost her husband of only five years just over a year ago- and having done what I could to support her in the process of grieving and coming to terms with such a blow to their plans for the future I realize that it is a good idea to take the time to "know what you've got" before it is gone....

maybe Phil and I will have decades more but in case we don't I want to mention how precious our time together is to both of us- we are so so so lucky.  we have each other, we have decent health and decent finances and the time to enjoy our lives together - the travel, the theater, the concerts, the restaurants, our lovely home(s) - we are so blessed. 

I thought about it this morning - thinking about Laura and Maryanne and wondered how I would go on...of course you do but I know I would think "what is the point?"

it isn't that I am nothing without him- LOL- far far from it....but it is that my life would not be nearly as "rich" in experiences if we didn't share them with each other.  and the challenges along the way would be so much more difficult to face if we didn't have each other. (even when the challenges ARE each other- LOL)

so I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I treasure Phil and all he brings to my life- thanks so much honey! I love you!

here is a recent photo of us- taken by our dear friend Aase last fall - while we were in Lund, Sweden.