Funny how things can change at the drop of a hat sometimes. We started off our day yesterday in good spirits. J and I were out super early, working on the garden. I was so excited about our garden and we were enjoying each other's company tremendously. We planted our corn, red pepper, green pepper, asparagus, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, squash, peas, snow peas...and a few rows of Marigolds just to deter the insects. Everything seemed perfect. It was a gorgeous, HOT, sunny, blue sky day. Chance was running around the property, inspecting and exploring, while we toiled and laboured. Yes, I thought, "Life is good!!"

Then we came in for lunch and I got a phone call from my mom. "Christine, I think you should go to the hospital today. Old John was admitted on Friday and he only has a few days left. He won't be able to make it to your wedding."

My heart sank and I started weeping. Funny how in only 2 yrs of me living on the island, this old man has touched my heart and has become an integral part of my life. I can't imagine my life without him in it. He CAN'T die. He IS COMING to my wedding. He IS NOT going to die!! He's NOT! J, in his silent way, comforted me. He said that God has a plan for us all and we need to learn to understand his ways. Easier said than done. Heck..I've always been an emotional wreck when it comes to death and dying. Which is why I explained to J that I cannot join the fire department or first response team with him. Sure it'd be nice to have a husband and wife team working for the community, but I am really a weakling emotionally. I totally suck because I get weepy so easily. J always says that if you take care of the community, the community will take care of you.

Anyway, it amazes me how I went from completely elated, to very, very down in the dumps. The docs say he's only got a few days left. He was like a grandfather to me....I visited him yesterday, but he didn't even know I was there. He was on morphine and was sleeping. I know all things happen for a reason and that no one can live forever. Despite the fact that I know that, it doesn't make things any easier.