Joyful Sorrow

Just over a week ago, my sister Jan passed away.

The outpouring of love she received during her final few weeks of life, was overwhelming.

Jan left us gracefully, with a full heart.

When you lose someone you love, the world goes totally off kilter.

I’m home again, trying to get grounded. Life carries on but, it’s a different world.

The other day I went for a bike ride. It was glorious. The sun was shining, the air crisp and oh my gosh…the colours. I felt so alive….so blessed.

Two words kept coming to mind. Joyful sorrow.

These past weeks, I have experienced many moments of loneliness and waves of grief. The strange thing is, I have also felt so much love.

I had the privilege of staying at Jan’s in High River and I took every opportunity to really get to know the place she had called home and loved so dearly. I walked for hours on the pathways that she and the dogs had enjoyed and chatted up the locals at her favourite hotspots – Colossi’s and Evelyn’s Diner. Such beautiful people!

Last Monday, family, friends and colleagues gathered to remember an amazing being. Together, we shared stories, shedding tears and laughter in Jan’s memory. The celebration of her life, warmed my heart.

Spending time in Jan’s world with her “people”, I came to truly understand just how much of an impact she had on the lives of so many.

My dear Jan, I am so proud to call you my ‘sista’. May you rest in peace my lovely.

In moments of sorrow, there is joy and for this I am truly grateful.

K