February Musings
VALENTINE'S DAY 2026:
A fun activity for employees and residents. So much enthusiasm, creativity, and comradery! I might have created the flyer and purchased the supplies, but my friend Rita had the idea and brought the magic. Big hug. Thank you!
A special thank you to Kathy and Becki because you really helped set the tone. The four of us sitting there at the beginning... talking, laughing, cutting, and gluing was pure joy. (I quickly learned all glue sticks are not the same. Thank you, RC.)
Roland Park Place (RPP)... Special in many ways. There are many reasons to be at RPP. As an employee, I come to thrive. Our residents do, too.
Photos: I couldn't create a simple card but found myself in over-the-top land. I opted for a pop-up card with an envelope. If we do this next year, I am keeping it simple (probably not).
To answer your question, friend… The card I made was for me. I haven’t been feeling creative lately, and I wanted to prove to myself that I still had the will and desire, and I do. – paerki
Additional Photos: Instagram
You’re gone, no longer here. I am going to work tomorrow, and you won’t be there. That makes me sad.
No phone call. No visit to my office. No Monday morning chat. No discussion about our weekends. No call to be added to a trip. No cancellation. There are so many no’s, and that makes me sadder.
I would love a yes. A yes, it was all a bad dream, a horrible nightmare. Someone wake me up, please! Perhaps someone is playing a cruel joke. I know! Maybe I just imagined this ridiculousness. But it’s not ridiculous, and my tears are real, and you are gone, and I am still sad.
Forgive me for being greedy, but I wanted a little more time with you. I am lying because I wanted a lot more time with you. I want more discussions about the mundane, more laughs, more silliness, more of everything. I want more, dammit!
I thought about you this weekend. Reality has settled in, and I have come to terms with your death. Thank you for every memory – for the wise cracks, laughs, outbursts, jokes, and morsels of gossip. I’ll miss our conversations.
What I will remember most is after months away, and not hearing from you, when you finally came home, stopping by my office to see me, you immediately hugged me. It’s the type of hug I will remember forever because I let go first, and you still held onto to me, and after I was convinced of your happiness to see me, you held on for several seconds more. That hug now becomes a lifetime gift. I haven’t experienced that feeling in a long time, someone holding on after I let go. Thank you.
Thank you for stopping by this sometimes-weary traveler’s life and bringing with you joy to share.
I hope there is an afterlife. I hope you are having a wild time.
I release you, friend. Run with the stars, and maybe, just maybe we’ll meet again. I sure hope so. Goodbye, AW. – paerki
Additional Photos: Instagram
