Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Katelyn in the Free Press
Woman's promising life cut short
Katelyn Friesen wore a long, princess-like silk gown with pink flowers in her hair and smiled brightly in a family photo taken after her Grade 12 graduation last month.
The photo was posted in an album Friesen named Here Comes the Rest of Our Lives on the networking-site Facebook.... Read More
The photo was posted in an album Friesen named Here Comes the Rest of Our Lives on the networking-site Facebook.... Read More
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Another story
We are home safe and sound. The Free Press carried another story in which Renee was mentioned.
Today was Roger's birthday. Not a happy one.
We had dinner with Roger, Anita, and Katelyn 2 weeks ago at a nice restaurant on Corydon. Kara and Katelyn sat at a table by themselves, happily chatting as only young ladies can. I wish I had taken a picture. Memo to self: Take more pictures.
This morning we got up early, and drove 220km from Stratford to Barrie to attend church with Kelvin and Esther. Then they invited us to their home for a quick lunch, and then off to the airport - one hour away. When we got out of the car, I forgot my cell phone in the Jeep. By the time I noticed it was missing, the Jeep had been taken for servicing. They found the phone just in time for me to get it, before we had to scurry off to security. Talk about the hurrier I go the behinder I get!
When we got to Winnipeg, there was a message from Loni, telling us that her grandfather had fallen and broken his neck. He had survived the night. I tried calling back to her and Tim & Elsie, but there was no answer. Pray for that family!
Today was Roger's birthday. Not a happy one.
We had dinner with Roger, Anita, and Katelyn 2 weeks ago at a nice restaurant on Corydon. Kara and Katelyn sat at a table by themselves, happily chatting as only young ladies can. I wish I had taken a picture. Memo to self: Take more pictures.
This morning we got up early, and drove 220km from Stratford to Barrie to attend church with Kelvin and Esther. Then they invited us to their home for a quick lunch, and then off to the airport - one hour away. When we got out of the car, I forgot my cell phone in the Jeep. By the time I noticed it was missing, the Jeep had been taken for servicing. They found the phone just in time for me to get it, before we had to scurry off to security. Talk about the hurrier I go the behinder I get!
When we got to Winnipeg, there was a message from Loni, telling us that her grandfather had fallen and broken his neck. He had survived the night. I tried calling back to her and Tim & Elsie, but there was no answer. Pray for that family!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Pain and Death
Friday morning Kara's dear friend Katelyn died when her car failed to negotiate a turn in the road. Please pray for her family and loved ones. Her parents are among our best friends. Her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday in Riverton. This is the 3rd trauma for them in the last 3 months.
We are in Ontario and had planned to travel as far as Quebec. We will be returning home Sunday night.
Today it is 5 months since Renee died. We are in Stratford at the Shakespeare Festival. We spent a weekend here with Renee in June '05, 10days before her first disgnosis for AML leukemia.
The pain of searing loss still hits us with giant waves. On Thursday, a week ago, we attended a meeting of Compassionate Friends. It is a support group for parents that have lost children. It is good to be able to share the pain with others without fear of judgement.
We are in Ontario and had planned to travel as far as Quebec. We will be returning home Sunday night.
Today it is 5 months since Renee died. We are in Stratford at the Shakespeare Festival. We spent a weekend here with Renee in June '05, 10days before her first disgnosis for AML leukemia.
The pain of searing loss still hits us with giant waves. On Thursday, a week ago, we attended a meeting of Compassionate Friends. It is a support group for parents that have lost children. It is good to be able to share the pain with others without fear of judgement.
Friday, July 25, 2008
This day SUCKS
Katelyn Friesen, 18, one of Kara's best friends died this morning. She came home at 10:30 p.m. and lost control of her car.
Her parents, Roger and Anita, are among our closest friends. We'd love to go hug them. But we are in Stratford ON on the way to Quebec. Naturally, will try to rebook our flight and get home ASAP.
We were just coming into Aylmer to visit Taunti Truta, my mom's sister, when we got the call. While we were there, Uncle Isaac was transferred to hospital, comatose and with a lung infection. He has lived a long and fruitful life. My sister Rose showed up before we left. She came to stay there for a week.
Yesterday we visited Aunt Esther in hospital. She was happy to see us, and very thankful for all her wonderful friends. They take turns at her bedside so she is almost never alone.
For super we took Tomoko out to the Aberfoyle Mill Country Restaurant. Very nice and very enjoyable!
Last night we stayed with a Mennonite Your Way couple. We were the 1st visitors they had had since they signed up for it.
Tonight we attended the production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
Her parents, Roger and Anita, are among our closest friends. We'd love to go hug them. But we are in Stratford ON on the way to Quebec. Naturally, will try to rebook our flight and get home ASAP.
We were just coming into Aylmer to visit Taunti Truta, my mom's sister, when we got the call. While we were there, Uncle Isaac was transferred to hospital, comatose and with a lung infection. He has lived a long and fruitful life. My sister Rose showed up before we left. She came to stay there for a week.
Yesterday we visited Aunt Esther in hospital. She was happy to see us, and very thankful for all her wonderful friends. They take turns at her bedside so she is almost never alone.
For super we took Tomoko out to the Aberfoyle Mill Country Restaurant. Very nice and very enjoyable!
Last night we stayed with a Mennonite Your Way couple. We were the 1st visitors they had had since they signed up for it.
Tonight we attended the production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Loss History
Today's email from http://www.griefshare.org/ encourages us to write a loss history.
1977 Oct 01 - Kristin died age 3
1978 Jun 30 - Leona died age 29
1979 Apr 16 - Jason died age 9 months
1990 Dueck Builder Mart receivership
1995 sold ProfitMaster Canada shares for peanuts
2005 Jun 24 - Renee diagnosed with leukemia
2005 Sep 04 - Renee in ICU
2007 June - business partners start talking about splitting the business
2007 Oct 24 - Renee relapse
2007 Nov 01 - Renee starts chemo at MSKCC New York
2007 Nov 12 - vitriolic emails from partners
2007 Nov 20 - agreement for me to buy out partners
2007 Nov 23 - partners away to meet with their advisors. Assure me I don't need a lawyer. All is amicable.
2007 Nov 26 - meeting with advisors - partners not sure they want to sell their shares
2007 Nov 28 - meeting - assurance by partners "not meeting with outside lawyers"
2007 Dec 20 - receive 100 page email while in Florida with Alayna, and Karalee (Renee, Martha stuck in NYC, Justin in Wpg). The email is drafted by powerful antagonistic outside lawyers and includes documents signed by my partners and their wives, giving me 5 business days to raise funds to buy out some of their shares, or they will kick me out and steal my shares under an obscure clause in the Shareholders Agreement. I have no lawyer to act on my behalf. I call a lawyer friend, who agrees to take my case. I tell him I'm in shock, 1st from Renee's potentially fatal illness, and the shock of seeing the signed documents from my partners, threatening to steal my shares in the business, we had worked so hard to build for 11 years.
Martha advised me to "just let them steal the business", and be with Renee and her in NYC as much as possible. The lawyers recommended that I allow them to "protect" my interests.
2008 Jan 10 - I tried to get my partners to agree to let http://www.familybusinessdoctor.ca/ negotiate an amicable deal. That was a no go with them. "There is a well proscribed process underway to reach closure – it just needs to be followed" I met with my lawyer for the 1st time and told him that I'm in no position to fight this in the courts, and the ONLY thing I can do under the circumstances is to capitulate. "I might be sorry later"
This is too painful to continue today - more more painful stuff later.
God, I didn't realize how much my past losses were affecting me now. Use this exercise to help me recognize and come to terms with each loss on my list. Amen.
1977 Oct 01 - Kristin died age 3
1978 Jun 30 - Leona died age 29
1979 Apr 16 - Jason died age 9 months
1990 Dueck Builder Mart receivership
1995 sold ProfitMaster Canada shares for peanuts
2005 Jun 24 - Renee diagnosed with leukemia
2005 Sep 04 - Renee in ICU
2007 June - business partners start talking about splitting the business
2007 Oct 24 - Renee relapse
2007 Nov 01 - Renee starts chemo at MSKCC New York
2007 Nov 12 - vitriolic emails from partners
2007 Nov 20 - agreement for me to buy out partners
2007 Nov 23 - partners away to meet with their advisors. Assure me I don't need a lawyer. All is amicable.
2007 Nov 26 - meeting with advisors - partners not sure they want to sell their shares
2007 Nov 28 - meeting - assurance by partners "not meeting with outside lawyers"
2007 Dec 20 - receive 100 page email while in Florida with Alayna, and Karalee (Renee, Martha stuck in NYC, Justin in Wpg). The email is drafted by powerful antagonistic outside lawyers and includes documents signed by my partners and their wives, giving me 5 business days to raise funds to buy out some of their shares, or they will kick me out and steal my shares under an obscure clause in the Shareholders Agreement. I have no lawyer to act on my behalf. I call a lawyer friend, who agrees to take my case. I tell him I'm in shock, 1st from Renee's potentially fatal illness, and the shock of seeing the signed documents from my partners, threatening to steal my shares in the business, we had worked so hard to build for 11 years.
Martha advised me to "just let them steal the business", and be with Renee and her in NYC as much as possible. The lawyers recommended that I allow them to "protect" my interests.
2008 Jan 10 - I tried to get my partners to agree to let http://www.familybusinessdoctor.ca/ negotiate an amicable deal. That was a no go with them. "There is a well proscribed process underway to reach closure – it just needs to be followed" I met with my lawyer for the 1st time and told him that I'm in no position to fight this in the courts, and the ONLY thing I can do under the circumstances is to capitulate. "I might be sorry later"
This is too painful to continue today - more more painful stuff later.
God, I didn't realize how much my past losses were affecting me now. Use this exercise to help me recognize and come to terms with each loss on my list. Amen.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Happiness
Some pursue happiness.. others create itHappiness increases the more you spread it around
What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. - Joseph Addison
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. - Helen Keller
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. - James Barrie
Imitate the sundial's ways - Count only the pleasant days. - German Proverb
Friday, July 11, 2008
Scatter Joy
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. Mother TeresaTime spent laughing is time spent with God.
One joy scatters a hundred griefs.
If you tickle yourself, you can laugh when you like.
Unshared joy is an unlighted candle.
And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
37 years together
It seems like such a short time ago.My mother-in-law said she had never seen anyone as excited as this bridegroom was on the morning before the wedding of these 2 virgins. I'm still excited to be with my LOVE!
Henry advised us that "the ship that won't be sunk, can't be sunk"
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Shock
Virgil, who lost his wife, says, "When you go to a funeral, you hear people say, 'Oh, he's holding up so well.' I don't think that's true. I think the person in grief doesn't know what's going on. That's the state I was in." Maybe you can relate to how Virgil felt.
When you are in shock and you feel powerless to cope and unable to think straight, understand that you don't have to at that moment. Yet because of this, it is wise not to make any major changes in your life or decide on any important issues until your shock has subsided.
From www.GriefShare.org
Did nothing much today. Had Larry and Carl over to get the network working here at home. Now it seems to work. Thanks guys. Went for a walk at Bird's Hill this evening. Check it out on Martha's facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=718265973
James was here the other day to get some other computer issues fixed. He writes a daily encouragement blog at http://jgs-notes.blogspot.com/
We met Henry & Martha in Walhala ND for supper and a performance of Les Miserables at Frost Fire. Terrific show! We saw it twice on Broadway during the last 12 months, and this performance rivalled that one. Go if you can! Only 2 hours from Winnipeg. Well worth the trip!
When you are in shock and you feel powerless to cope and unable to think straight, understand that you don't have to at that moment. Yet because of this, it is wise not to make any major changes in your life or decide on any important issues until your shock has subsided.
From www.GriefShare.org
Did nothing much today. Had Larry and Carl over to get the network working here at home. Now it seems to work. Thanks guys. Went for a walk at Bird's Hill this evening. Check it out on Martha's facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=718265973
James was here the other day to get some other computer issues fixed. He writes a daily encouragement blog at http://jgs-notes.blogspot.com/
We met Henry & Martha in Walhala ND for supper and a performance of Les Miserables at Frost Fire. Terrific show! We saw it twice on Broadway during the last 12 months, and this performance rivalled that one. Go if you can! Only 2 hours from Winnipeg. Well worth the trip!
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