Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Back Again

I'm back.

My niece's death hit me pretty hard. I had had a short break booked for some time and felt that what I really needed to do was to get away. My niece was a vibrant little soul, effervescing with life and I felt the best way to honour her memory was to live life to the full. I needed time and space to make sense of what had happened and to heal, so off I went.

I had a nice few days in Vienna, Austria. I walked miles in gorgeous parks and exploring the city, took coffee and torte in street cafes overlooking magnificent architecture, visited museums and sumptuous palaces. The sun shone and the early autumn days were warm but all of this had a shadow cast over it. The distance and space away from home helped me very much though. I have always been the same. When I am hurt I need time and space to lick my wounds.

My nieces' funeral was the other day and now the whole family is starting to get on with the business of life again. I took my camera with me to Vienna and I will be sharing some photo's with you very soon. Once again many thanks to all of you who stopped by to leave me messages of support, to those who directed others to do so and those of you who sent me an email. Your support has been greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

23 comments:

MaR said...

Welcome back, Bob-kat
((hugs))

Star said...

I echo mar. Welcome back. Can't wait to see VIenna.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back. I look forward to your Vienna photos. Vienna is one of my favorite places. (This summer, the EMBLOS and I are going to ditch the kids at the inlaws' house in Regensburg, and drive down the Danube for a week in Vienna, where I plan to do nothing except drink coffee and read newspapers.

Cheers.

Linda said...

I missed you. I am feeling your pain now too...my step-nephew was killed on Monday. Though I wasn't as close to him as you were to your niece...I am now in your shoes and know the loss.

JAM said...

I'm glad you're back. I'm glad you got away for a while too. I'm like that, I have to have time alone to deal with tough things.

I can't think properly surrounded by a bunch of people, even if I love them all.

I pray for peace and healing for you and your family.

utenzi said...

They say time heals all wounds but it's a lie. Time just makes it easier to ignore the pain, bury it somewhat. It's good to see you back, B-K.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Welcome back. I've been thinking of you.

Moon said...

Welcome back home...I'm glad u were able to get away and to such a lovely , special place. I look forward to seeing photos.
I also read the tribute u posted from the school..how beautiful it was.
Here via Micheles but will certainly be back on my own.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Welcome back, dear B-K....I am glad Vienna had a somewhat healing effect.....I know this is not something one gets over in a few days but it is good to know it helped you through the intitial crises of this terrible loss....I lok forward to your pictures of that great city, my dear...(((((((HUGS)))))))

BreadBox said...

Everyone's already said what I wanted to say, but I want to say it anyway: I'm glad you were able to get away, distance doesn't make it better, but it helps keep things at bay.
At some point the pain seems to come less from externally, and more from inside oneself. We all wish you hugs and luck dealing with the pain....
Michele sent me today, but that's only because it's a Friday M&G.

N.

Pat said...

Glad you are back Bob-Kat and able to carry on. I have only once been to Vienna- it was winter and bitterly cold. I remember the art and torte with pleasure and will enjoy being reminded of it.
Vienna was responsible for my buying a fur coat and it still gets worn when my bones are freezing. I have taken down the purple sock:}

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Thanks for your visit, my dear, and again, I welcome you back to the blogesphere!

Ramona said...

I'm glad you took the time to get away and see some beauty in the world. I too, have been thinking about you...take care.

Shephard said...

Can't wait to see photos of Vienna... always wanted to go. And your camera always captures interesting perspectives.
~S

Pat said...

It's just we Brits around at this time in the morning but hi from Michele's and I hope you will have a healing week-end. We have sunshine but at this time in the morning it isn't bound to last. We had Princess Anne yesterday but I was too lazy to go and see her. I have already - seen her that is. Breakfast time for me. Be sure you have a proper one:)

Anonymous said...

So glad you enjoyed Vienna! Your pictures will be a real treat.

By the way, if you need a bit of a gentle perk-up now and again, you might spend some time with the streaming video of Classic Arts Showcase. You can get it on your media player by Googling: Cal poly pomona, streaming video, webcast 1, then Classic Arts Showcase. What you get: 5 minute or so selections from opera, ballet, symphony, chamber and choral music, jazz--just everything beautiful and wonderful--with NO yak-yak or commercials. Naomi's neighbor, Jamie Rigler, does an absolutely fabulous job of programming the clips, and lets the music speak for itself. Naomi did a post about CAS awhile back, check it out.

One of music's most precious qualities is the ability to keep us close to our loved ones, no matter where they may be.

rashbre said...

take care.

Anonymous said...

Good to see you back! The best way to remember her is to live the way you always have.

I look forward to your Vienna photos!

Michele sent mehere to hug you!!

Preeti Shenoy said...

Welcome back.
We all need to go into our shells and need to recoup when tragedy hits us.(at least i do--its my way of coping)
I like it that youhave decided to honour her memory by living life to the full.

Guess what--I am taking a vacation and will be heading to your country soon! I look forward to it.

Moon said...

I'm back via Michele's...I hope u are doing ok. Words are hard to find when someone has been through what your family has been through. I can only empathize and hope you healing the best way you can right now.

craziequeen said...

I never got the chance to meet Jess - but if she was anything like her Aunt Bobkat, then she must have been a terrific person....

Glad you're back and you had a good trip, honey.

I sent you an email :-)

cq

diyadear said...

hey.. glad to c ur back.. it was gud that u took a break.. now u are back with renewed energy n positive thoughts!! can't wait to c ur pictures.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back BK! I have thought about you many times over the last few days.