Friendship - BJ Harding & Elaine Loehr

When you realize you have good friends in your life, you feel blessed.  Having had many a conversation with Mom over the years about her friendship with BJ, I know how much Mom loves and appreciates her.  Over the years, the two have had lots of adventures together; trips to Coombs, working in their gardens together, planning special events with family and friends, working on Christmas projects, shopping for the holidays, being in the kitchen together, being in Jim's woodworking shop together to make benches for the gardens (and one for me too!).   Always lots of laughter and heart-felt conversations about the ups and downs of their lives.  Back in the spring of this year, BJ offered to help Dad care for Mom.  When Dad tired to graciously let her off the hook, BJ insisted saying... she's my best friend and I want to be there for her.

Since Mom's transition to Cumberland Lodge, BJ's been visiting Mom during the week after work, and helping her with her evening meal.  During a recent visit to Comox I met up with BJ for a Starbucks and was privy to hearing about BJ's grief over the recent loss of her mother and of her best friend - Mom.   

We are truly blessed to have you in our lives BJ.  Thank you for your love and support of Mom, and of our family. I know the sadness you feel, and hope that you are also experiencing a peace that comes from being present with Mom as she is today, accepting and encouraging her to be the best she can be today, and for loving her.  I hope you sense in your inner knowing and wisdom how much Mom loves and appreciates you.  

We recently got in touch with a long-time friend of Mom's - Elaine Loehr who lives in Saskatchewan. Mom and Elaine go back to Yellowknife days.  She had not heard the news and was devastated to know what was happening to Mom.  Elaine - thank you for sending the lovely card.  Dad took it to the lodge and shared it with Mom.  She acknowledged she knew who you were and was delighted to know you had written... when I visited last weekend, I had the chance to read your note and share it with Mom again.  Here she is with your card in hand.