Sights of autumn, Sound of Music and Thanksgiving

After many conversations with Philip some weeks back, it was decided that a fun thing to do would be to come for a visit sometime in the fall.  Given that Thanksgiving was fast approaching, it seemed like that was a logical choice for a visit with Dianna and Phil.
After sharing that with family, Matthew contacted me and said that he thought it would be great to make the trip together by car.  It's a long way, but I had done it last year with Melissa and was game to do it again. 
Plans were laid and ferry reservations were made.  We planned to leave on Saturday Oct 11 and return on Tuesday Oct 14.  That meant making the journey in one day each way.  But we had I-tunes downloaded and the company was good, so off we went. 
Given the weekend celebration of Thanksgiving, I opted for bringing all the fixings of a Thanksgiving Turkey supper.  What fun!
A few days prior to departure, I got a phone call from Lisa saying that Phil had been admitted to hospital with some health concerns.  Although we weren't sure when he would be discharged, we figured we would make the trip and plan the celebration regardless. Lynn and Scott joined us for the weekend too.
We got in late Saturday night and quickly made ourselves comfortable.  Sunday, Matt and Scott headed for a bit of fishing and I started the turkey stuffing.  I had the pleasure of a brief visit with neighbors David and Gil.. time is too short.  In the afternoon, we visited Phil in St. Joseph's and then made our way for the long anticipated visit with Dianna.  It was lovely to see her again, despite some of the clear changes since last being together last year.
The staff at the facility are amazing, competent, gentle, uplifting and respectful.  You can't ask for more.  Several immediately identified the family resemblance and had me pegged for a sister.   Although conversation was sparse, there was still opportunity for sharing and caring.  I have to say it was lovely to see Matt interacting with Dianna in addition to enjoying Scott and Lynn's company during the visit.
Dianna was seated comfortably in her Broda chair in the living room, nicely appointed with a big screen TV and a fireplace.  Very homey and a lovely view of the deck and the autumn colors outside.
Residents, slowly gathered and were offered refreshments.  We were welcomed and included in the social time.  The movie, Sound of Music started to play on the big screen TV.  A timeless film about a family as they met the challenges that they faced together.  One scene in the quiet, was a love song duet.  "So here you are standing here, loving me .... so somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good".  Yes indeed.  As I turned my head toward my sister, Lynn was holding her hand, while Scott and Matt were gently conversing with Dianna and each other.  This loving scene proved to me that absolutely Dianna ... you did do something good.  Something wonderful and you have the legacy of your family and friends far and wide to prove it.  I love you sister.



 ~~~~~

Later in the day, with the help of Scott, Lynn and Matt in the kitchen, we had a great thanksgiving dinner and made a plate (with extra gravy) to take to Phil. 
The visit was fleeting and the next day we were already making our way back, via Nanaimo, to visit with Linda.  Before doing so of course, we had the opportunity to have one more visit with Dianna.  She looked quiet and peaceful and it was clear that at times she was thinking days past when she was active, possibly reflecting on a meal that she had prepared as she spoke of baking.  Clearly these were happy thoughts as she smiled gently and sweetly. 
I still hear the song I mentioned  in my head.  And I am thankful.