About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

H is for HE'S HOME!


“Man wanted a home, a place for warmth, or comfort, first of physical warmth, then the warmth of the affections.”
  Henry David Thoreau, Walden 

When Lorne and I reconnected in 2008, it was like a homecoming.  We were both a bit lost and lonely, and we needed each other desperately.  So we made a home together.  However, we both expected perfection and didn't understand our roles.  Even though we were in love again after several decades, it didn't work.  So we parted ways for a while.

“Now they return home, their bones bruised and their spirit slightly broken, but they’re still alive, and they will be well sometime soon.”

Separately and together, we worked on ourselves.  We learned humility while accepting our faults and worked on changing them.  We also learned what our individual strengths and weaknesses are and learned to accept them in both ourselves and each other.  We learned that life does not have to be particularly exciting each and every day; we learned to revel in the quiet moments when a simple look or touch can make the other feel the love.  We learned that we didn't "need" each other, but we "loved" each other warts and all.

“I wonder if it will be—can be—any more beautiful than this,’ murmured Anne, looking around her with the loving, enraptured eyes of those to whom ‘home’ must always be the loveliest spot in the world, no matter what fairer lands may lie under alien stars.”
  L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island 

I love to travel the world (not that I've been everywhere) and Lorne had not been off the North America continent.  But we did end up in England last summer - he to work for the Olympics and I to travel and visit friends.  He accepted my ability to help him in his new experience while I was thrilled to introduce him to good friends and show him some sights.

 “After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”

When we came home, we knew for sure we wanted to be together forever, and we never forget to tell each other how much we love each other.  I don't know how much time we have but we are making a home together and making every day count.

“What I love most about my home is who I share it with.”
  Tad Carpenter 

When I thought I might lose him to a second cancer, I starting snapping photos of him any chance I had.  Sometimes, he knew I was taking his picture, but most of the time he didn't.  I remember thinking "I have to keep this memory alive just in case..."  We've been through hell a few times and we might need to go through it again, but for now we are happy to be home together. So this week, I am sharing that he is home from the hospital and what home means to me - my hero.
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow

26 comments:

Liz Hinds said...

So lovely. Such a tale.

Praying that all goes well from now on. What a scary and worrying time you've both been through.

And still waiting to see wedding photos!!

xx

Liz Hinds said...

So lovely. Such a tale.

Praying that all goes well from now on. What a scary and worrying time you've both been through.

And still waiting to see wedding photos!!

xx

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

A very poignant post Leslie ,, Life does not have to be particularly exciting every day, I am lost at the moment too/

So happy that Lorne is home and as Liz praying that all goes well for both of you xox

Trubes said...

What a lovely tribute to Lorne, it has to be God's gift that you met up again... Get well Lorne and stay strong dear Leslie.... pats and tickles for Tegan... much love Di and my Hero... Ian...xxx

Roger Owen Green said...

Yay. As they say, "what a long strange trip it's been."
ROG, ABC WEDNESDAY

sally in norfolk said...

This little tale bought tears to my eyes .... a happy ending in sight though :-) :-) enjoy your time together x x x x

Chris said...

Fantastic news and wonderful photos, you both look so happy and he is looking well. God is good!

Search for the Fibonacci sequence and look at the pictures of it... it shows the spirals that occur in the sequence and the beautiful designs.
Love and Blessings
Chris xxx

Carver said...

I'm glad that you all found each other again and again and I'm glad Lorne is home from the hospital. Carver, ABC Wed. Team

Reader Wil said...

Hi Leslie! This is the loveliest and greatest tribute you could write for Lorne. You are a heroic couple loving and caring. I love the photos of your slide especially those with Tegan! Thanks for sharing.
Wil, ABCW Team.

Hildred said...

I am so happy for you both, Leslie.

Wanda said...

We need more love stories like yours and Loren and Tegan. This was very inspirational as my husband of 52 years has been through many "heart" problems, and I've been through the cancer journey. It's so much easier, when you have someone who loves you unconditionally. Our Molly is also a loved furry family member.
Wonderful post Leslie.

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

Oh, how beautiful and my heart breaks and swells for you both as I read and watch this magnificent tribute you created. (And I think he looks quite handsome bald!!!) I am about to begin the new year 5774, and will keep you both in my prayers, wishing you and us all a year of good health, happiness and much to celebrate together.

photowannabe said...

I am so Happy your precious Lorne is Home again.
Your story and photos are such rich memories. I am glad you put the montage together.
It is the everyday-ness of life that is the mortar that keeps everything together.
For our 50 years of marriage has had its Huge ups and downs too. It either makes you totally run and Hide or it makes you stronger. I think you are stronger!

Anonymous said...

beautiful.

Nanka said...

You do have a beautiful Heart Leslie and I wish you much Happiness in togetherness!! Have a Happy time ahead!!

Leovi said...

Because there is nothing like home, is our little paradise!

New York Erratic said...

Such a sweet story! Adult love is about learning to live with imperfections - and learning what imperfections you can't live with.

Lovers turned to friends! A happy ending for all!

Nonnie said...

heartfelt tribute! hair or no hair, he is a handsome gent! The shot of him on the sofa reminds me of one I took of my honey after surgery on his ear, sweet...

Hazel said...

Great tribute. "He's home from the hospital" - sweet and wonderful! That you love each other warts and all - now that's a winner. I love the LM Montgomery quotes.

Hazel

Ann said...

You made a very touching video, blessings to you both!!!
Ann

betty-NZ said...

What a lovely tribute. I'm so glad he's home. I pray the best for you both.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

You are an inspiration too the world of what love is truly all about. May Lorne's health be fully restored soon. Blessings!

ChrisJ said...

So glad Lorne is home again -- and I'm sure Tegan is too. That was a wonderful tribute! Keeping you both in my prayers.

Gattina said...

I am married 44 years now and have learned that a got living together is made of compromises !

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Let this be a happy time at home.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

So glad he's home, Leslie. I hope you both enjoy every moment and I'm sure you will. xx