A TIME FOR REFLECTION

Hello Kast Family,

It’s been a while since I have written a post……many things going on, decorating, undecorating, shopping, wrapping, unwrapping……..get togethers, family, visits, snow, friends, crazy times, and quiet times. Jenn was home for almost two weeks, and housebound most of the time……snow, snow, snow. I worked and stayed home and worked. And so the holidays came and went and now everything is put away and back to ‘normal’. I guess.

It was a good Christmas, full of memories and new times. Jenn and I found many of Kerrie’s Christmas things, many from friends and family when she was in the hospital. We got some of them out and put them on the tree and mantel. Others we just can’t put out yet….. maybe next year. The singing angels that we all loved so much, maybe next year. But, Ker was here, in memory and in spirit. I think she enjoyed the day. Her stocking was full and the gifts shared with family. And Robyn and TJ got their annual gift from Aunt Kerrie, a new tree ornament. Maybe some day when they have their own trees they will be able to put them up and remember her. She loved them so much.

There are so many things to think about this time of year and so much to look forward to. It’s the start of winter but spring is coming soon (I hope). I was thinking about when Kerrie worked at the Alpine Ski Resort. She did a little of everything, ski lift operator and security, and skiing too. She got her nose broken one year breaking up a fight. And had to be taken down on a sled by the ski patrol one night (I remember that phone call well) when she was wiped out by some crazy kids and they thought she had broken something (turned out to be ok). She tried a little bit of everything and enjoyed it all.

I have two friends at work, one whose daughter is critically ill fighting a very rare cancer, another whose husband has been fighting for his life for the past several weeks and a cousin who has been ill and took a bad turn during the early hours of Christmas morning. Things like this are difficult at any time, but it’s seems so much more difficult during the holiday season. We equate these days with joy and happiness and for so many it is a time or sorrow and worry. I pray for these friends and for all the others who are going through bad times right now.

Add to that, the worries over the economy and how the next few months will impact on all of us. I’m not a political person or a philosopher, but like many of you I am hoping that the changes coming up will be positive and help many. I decided it’s was time for me to sit back and think about my priorities and where I am and where I want to be. I am surrounded by ‘things’. Are these important to me? Sometimes it seems so, but I’ve done that little mental exercise, what would I take with me if I had to leave my home and only had a few minutes to gather together items? What is important? What could I live without? I could probably live without just about everything here. Pictures?….. I have tried to put most on disk and given copies to family so that there is a backup. Books? I can always buy more. I guess I would try to gather things that can’t be replaced. I still have the pile of papers I accumulated while Ker was sick. I would want those, and a few important momentos of her and Ron and Jenn…..the rest can stay behind. Oh, the portraits of Ron, and Robyn and I that Alisa made several years ago and the drawing of Kerrie that my nephew Bill did while he was in college. Those can’t be replaced and I would put those in my rescue pile. And probably a warm coat 🙂 because right now I think about how cold it is a lot of the time.

How about you? What is your most important thing? It’s really interesting to think about it and realize what you really don’t need. I know I need all of you, that’s what is most important of all.

Next Saturday, January 17th, is Kerrie’s 40th birthday. I know she would have wanted to do something fun. A party, a trip? Who knows what we would have done. So next Saturday, do something fun for her. If you have an urge for a Margarita or lemon drop shot, or a cigarette, or a game of Texas Hold ‘Em, or to go out dancing or singing just know it’s Ker urging you on. Go on, enjoy and wish her a Happy Birthday!

HAPPY NEW YEAR KAST FAMILY !
May 2009 bring us all peace and happiness and health
Love to All
Joan