Cavan Reflections

By: Anne Corke

Jan 02 2015

Tags: cancer, Family history, grief, widow

Category: Life stories

2 Comments

Another New Year has arrived. Like all years, 2014 had its highs and lows though perhaps they were higher and lower than other years.

The low point of the year occurred on January 28th when Gary passed away following a three year battle with cancer. Although we knew his death was imminent, it was nonetheless traumatic. The first weeks were of course occupied with funeral arrangements and legal matters but as these things were attended to one by one, the loneliness set in accompanied by the realization that the life that we had led for over thirty years was gone. Last year was full of firsts without Gary: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Jeremy’s first birthday without his Dad, my first birthday without my partner, Thanksgiving, Gary’s birthday, our wedding anniversary, Christmas and New Year’s. I will be glad when this year of firsts ends later this month. I think now it’s time to take a deep breath and figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. That’s my New Year’s project.

Throughout the spring and summer, preparations were in high gear for what was to be the high point of the year, the wedding of my very special son Jeremy and his beautiful bride Amanda in September. A rather violent late summer storm the night before has us wondering if the wedding would be able to proceed outdoors as planned. But the weather improved throughout the morning and by three o’clock the skies had cleared just in time for the ceremony. A wonderful afternoon and evening was enjoyed by family and friends. It doesn’t seem that long ago that Gary and I brought baby Jeremy home from the hospital. How those years have flown by. And what wonderful memories the three of us created together. Now Jeremy and Amanda are making memories as they begin their married life as the newest branch on our family tree.

As the new year begins, I feel like I’m about to step across a threshold into a new phase of my life, one full of possibilities. And though I know there will be the inevitable ups and downs, I have an idea that 2015 will be a very good year for our family. I can’t wait to see what it will bring.

Copyright 2015 Anne Corke