Hello to all!!
PD and {{{HUGS}}} to M!!! Maybe it comes at a good time, though, so she can focus on colleges...But I know still so hard at any time.
Yes, we did go to the Swan last weekend. Valentine's Day was nice and we so enjoyed our dinner at Narcoosee's. I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, not dressy enough, etc. etc...But that was not the case. We dressed semi-formally and fit right in.
The surprise to George was the replacement of his wedding band. He was very surprised...and pleased....
Our weekend was very overshawdowed by news I recieved midday on Thursday. One of my dear friends from Charleston had been re-diagnosed with cancer. (This happened on NYE and I had not been told) She was on a cruise the week of February 3rd and upon return was to start chemo on the 17th. She was hospitalized on the 12th and passed away on the 13th. I spoke with family at the hospital on Thursday around 12 and her condition was critical and that no one but family was being allowed in to see her. It was not until we were in route to WDW on Friday that I was notified of her passing. Funeral arrangements were not to be until around Tuesday, so we continued on our way. I will have to say that this is the very first time that I have entered WDW property and not been happy and excited...I was so saddened with the news. We went on to Narcoosee's for dinner and I will say that we did have a memorable evening and I did put my sadness out of my mind for a bit.
On Saturday I learned that the decision was made that the viewing would be on Saturday night and that the services would be on Sunday. I was shocked as to the quickness of everything. I talked with her husband from the balcony of the Swan on Saturday morning. I just could not believe that this has happened. He told me about everything and that although she had been re-diagnosed with cancer, this was certainly not expected. He told me all the steps leading to her death and I started to cry, which did not help him, I am sure. In the end, he told me that he knew we were so far away and not to rush to get there by Sunday. I agonized over this and in the end, my mother told me that I really needed to rest and stay in Orlando. It seemed that everyone was telling me this. And I know that George needed the rest as well. So, in the end we stayed.
On Saturday, we were at Epcot and there were high school kids in a marching band from Wisconsin there. I watched them and I just lost it. Everytime over the weekend I saw teenagers,,,I just kept thinking that my friend would not get to see her 10-year-old and 9-year-old daughters grow up. It was a very painful day for me.
As you all know, I am taking steps to enter ministry. So, in my heart, I know with all that I am that God had another plan for her. If she had started the chemo, it may have been grave suffereing for which her children would have had to endure. That may have been far worse for her and her family.
I just had sadness to know that her children did not have their mother any longer and she would not see them grow into adults. She was married for about 21 years and her husband adored her. She was lucky as some people never find a great love like that. I told her husband that when I was talking to him. And her children have a wonderful father.
Through this week, I grieved and felt pain and sadness and that is why I did not come back to post. I am better as each day progresses and I am thankful for all that I have. Each day is so special as we never know what the next day will bring....
Thanks for listening to me...
On a lighter and much sillier note.....While talking to Jack on the phone on Saturday morning....I did have the oppurtunity to see SSB walking by on the ground below....At first, I was not sure, but then I saw the feet....

Never did catch up with him over the weekend, though...But never the less there was a sighting.....
Now...about George's vacation...I am really not worried about it. That is why we went ahead and booked. I do not think it will be a problem at all.
Well, Happy Saturday and good luck with all that air fare searching....
Thanks again for listening....