This photo was taken on April 9. It was the first time in months that Donimo had been on the patio – had been downstairs. So much easier than either one of us expected. From then on I carried her downstairs in the early afternoon and back upstairs in the early evening almost every day.
She was overwhelmed by the beauty of everything around her. The sky, the plants staring to grow and flower, the feel of the wind on her face, the pleasure of having a real glass to drink from, the sounds of the birds, the hummingbirds drinking from her beloved feeder, the chatting from the courtyard below. Everything. In a time when we feel trapped inside from COVID-19, she felt freed by simply sitting on the patio. She felt blessed to have the opportunity, and cried from joy and sadness and relief.
We, who are temporarily able-bodied, have so much to be thankful for. We, who can go to the grocery store and stand in line, and be stressed by the people who don’t know what 6 feet is, and be anxious about even touching the shopping cart, are blessed.
This is how I will remember Donimo. Her on the patio in her chair, savouring the sun on her skin while I massage her feet. Sitting next to her in silence, holding her hand, while we both listen to the wind rustling the leaves of the bamboo. Reminiscing about our years of friendship and crying with her. Simply being in the moment with her. I love you to the moon and back Donimo, I will carry you with me always.