A Jolt and A Getaway

We had planned a weekend away in Collingwood for Easter. But last week, my friend's husband died unexpectedly. I went away prepared to come back for the funeral.

The Boy, Sis and her two kids, my mother and I drove to the resort in less than two hours. The next day, Bro and his wife joined us.

There are planned feasts and there are unplanned pig outs. We pigged out. My best laid meal plans were sabotaged by Bro's contribution of donuts, danishes, croissants, chocolates, an apple almond custard tart, and a strawberry rhubbarb pie. He didn't bring just a bit for everyone to sample. He assumed we had no food and brought us a diet of processed sweet carbohydrates. Being weak-willed where fattening food is concerned, Sis and I succumbed and indulged.

I generally scoff at finicky eaters and won't sit at the same table with skinny women who order salad only with lemon on the side. I am most at home when eating with my sibs. We eat with abandon, we like tasty food, and being messy is okay. I imagine us as Romans reclining in chaise lounges, servers continuously bringing us fresh kill, and we hold grilled mutton legs to our mouths with bare hands. I enjoy eating with my sibs. No wonder we're toxic to each other when trying to diet.

We went for a great bike ride along the Georgian Trail. The air was cool, the path was wide and flat, the ride was easy, and we were together. I stayed behind the group and looked at my family, taking in the happy moment, knowing at the same time, back in the city, my friend and her family were arranging a burial for her husband.

My happy moment would pass, and so will my friend's sad moment. Except my moment will truly be fleeting, and my friend's will last much longer. In the midst of this, Bro Bro sent a message to announce his mother-in-law had passed away.

I am back home now and have been to see my friend again. She looks better than last week and said she loves having so many people around her. Her children's friends have also been visiting. Hundreds of people must have come through her house over the weekend. I am relieved her support network is wide and strong. I am grateful that several of us have been in touch over the weekend to share our grief.

When a tragedy strikes, it's not just the immediate family that's affected. The community of those who know and care about the family members feel their sadness, share their pain, and wish them well, ready to catch them if they fall, even if they don't know it. This is what friends do. The memorial service is on Tuesday.