Terrorism in Norway...

As I sit here watching the Norwegian News, I can't help being grateful for Social Media and online News. It's been a great tool as I've been following the horrible acts of terrorism in my native Norway.


Heidi woke me up this morning, telling me a friend had called after having seen on the news a bomb had gone off in the middle of Oslo (capitol of Norway). It's not where I grew up, and it's not where I have any close family. But I have friends there, and as it is where the government is situated, it's still shocking and frightening. Then an hour or so later there were news of a shooter at a Labour-Party Youth/Teen Camp....


This post is likely very random, as I try to put words to my thoughts. it's been a crazy morning to say the least.. 

bad habit

Just recently realized as I was reflecting on past conversation with friends, I've developed a nasty bad habit... I'm not proud of it, and I will attempt my best to change it. Knowing it is REALLY REALLY annoying..

So here it is: cutting people off when they talk, to insert my own thoughts, ideas, inputs, etc. and it's gotten really really bad... And I hereby apologize heartily and pledge to do better!!! I am but a product of my surroundings, but I will apply myself and do better from now on!!! 

Service

Heidi's old boyfriend (or one of them..lol..) moved back to Salt Lake a few months ago, to help take care of his aging parents. This past weekend his father passed away (on Sat. as I was at the funeral... yeah it was the weekend of emotions at our house). Needless to say his life was turned a little upside down, and he called us this morning at the end of his wits. Heidl, being the nice friend she is offered our support, and so we raced up to his apartment to help out.


Now Dave is a great guy, but a tinsy bit ocd and a bit of a clean freak, so Heidi and I spent about two hours helping out by dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, doing dishes and so forth.... It's quite AMAZING how much funner it is cleaning someone else's house than one's own...


Hopefully we left Dave with a lighter heart, we definitely came away cheered up.


Serving is amazing! The "magic" it does in one's life is awesome. :)




"Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity." Neal A. Maxwell

Onward

We are moving on, to happier notes... 

I am excited and happy to be able to go watch the last Harry Potter movie this coming weekend. Thanks to my friend Alicia in NYC, for the ticket. I have been a fan of HP and JK since I first discovered the books over ten years ago, the movies I've always found a little lacking, but have still watched. This weekend it all comes to a close with the last movie in the franchise opening. And unless one has been living under a rock for some years, we know the hype is pretty big.

So, I am going to go enjoy myself with Harry and the gang for the last time. Thanks JK for inviting us all into this wonderful and magical world!!!

Grief

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.

Victor Hugo

There is something, not quite but almost profound in grief. Most times I guess it can seem overwhelming and hurting, but at times it can lead to some honest, spiritual and acute "light-bulb moments".


Everyone will lose someone they love, someone they're close to, someone who's made an impact on their lives... How we deal with this is individual, and very varied. I'm learning things about myself and about what is important in my life. I "blame" this on Wes, (my friend that I lost...) I think I am having this learning experience in my grieving process, largely because of the kind of man he was.


Fortunately I have my personal Faith to sustain me and carry me through.. So many times throughout the funeral I found myself wondering how others get through something like this without a belief in life after death. I believe it with my whole heart. In fact I'll go so far as to say I know it! I know we will live again. And I believe families can be together for ever.. That faith sustains me.


Back to grief, the process this time, has for me been quite deep and philosophical. Emotional to be sure, but so enlightening that I find it endurable. I think we humans grieve in many situations. Many scientific reports have shown that Grief is a process and a healthy one at that... Personally I've experienced the devastating grief that almost pushes one over the edge, the calm, cool and collected grief, and each time I've come through a wiser human being. This time I'm going through a healthier kind of grief process.


So, Wes is still teaching, still showing a perfect example, oh my friend, the heavens have gained a powerhouse of a human being. I'm left with a hole in my heart, but I feel it glowing with your love and friendship. Tusen takk min venn!


Do you know what friendship is... it is to be brother and sister; two souls which touch without mingling, two fingers on one hand.
Victor Hugo

When a good man goes to war....

"When a good man goes to war" was the name of the last season episode of Doctor Who... and I find it fitting as I grieve and attempt to deal with the loss of one of the best men I've had the privilege of knowing....


What does one say to a young widow, at the loss of her best friend, her companion, her husband? How does one comfort a family with two small children who will grow up without their father?  What can one say to a family who have lost and have to bury a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin? What do I have to say that can make a difference or give comfort?


In the nights, when I am alone with my thoughts, the regrets and missed chances come out. How do I honor my friend and the influence he made on my life and my personality? The sorrow for all the opportunities that were missed, because I didn't bother picking up the phone, or write a letter.. The words that were never spoken, the gratitude never expressed... And yet, his influence in my life will never go away, his example, his model life never forgot. He lives on, in his children, his wife, those who's lives he has touched.. The many people he taught, will live on with his teachings.


But I.... I have lost a dear friend, a brother, to a meaningless illness... and I grieve.. knowing as I do, his family grieves more..


Updated:

Happy Birthday United States of America!!!!

We started the day with a neighborhood breakfast -- complete with a parade of police cars with sirens, men, women, and children on decorated bikes and unicycles-- old cars, scooters, even decorated doggies. We eat, then run home to wave flags and whistle as the parade passes in front or our house! Cutest kids ever! :D


Talked to people for quite some time, then I took a nap, while "watching" Stephen Moffats' Sherlock Holmes. 


Heidi's cousin invited us to the movies in the afternoon and we watched 17 Miracles. An inspiring movie! Then we were invited to have dinner with them at the Red Iguana, a Mexican/Aztec type food restaurant. VERY GOOD FOOD!!!!! I had a chicken enchilada platter, and it was AMAZING!!!!!


We are finishing the evening with a patriotic movie (the original Superman from 1978) and, if anyone cares to stay up perhaps we'll see the fireworks from Sugarhouse park...


Anyways, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY everyone!!!!!!! 
Tomorrow we might go downtown to help some Peregrine Fledglings.