Loving Life Blog

“Go Confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)

One of my prior colleagues had this quote in her facebook update a couple of weeks ago as she reflected over the past and new year. Sitting next to my Dad’s side at the hospital in Sweden, I thought to myself – “that is exactly what I did, but this is not what I imagined”. Spending week after week caring for my Dad who is fighting a life threatening heart infection. After a little bit of reflection, I do think I got exactly what I was looking for. With one exception.

The lifestyle that I am about to create will bridge the gap in-between Sweden and where I live. It will allow me to be more free in terms of where I spend my time in order to still live my life where ever it takes me, work with what I love AND be present with my family in good and bad times. (July 4 2009)

By the time I get back to San Francisco from Sweden, I have been present for:

–       five precious weeks with my Dad
–       my Dad’s 74^th (belated) birthday
–       the first Christmas celebration in my brother’s and sister-in-law’s new house
–       my nephew’s first Christmas, first step, and first “high five”
–       my parents 40^th anniversary
–       my cousin’s 50^th birthday
–       my brother’s birthday
–       my nephew’s baptism
–       my Dad’s passing and funeral

At the same time I have been able to work part-time in the evening on PST morning time, or sometimes any time with a wireless connected hospital, iPhone and Skype, and experienced the most beautiful white winter I can remember having seen.

After a little bit of reflection – given the situation with my Dad – there is nothing more I could have asked for. There are no words for how grateful I am to have been able to be present with my family during this time. In good and bad.

As I told my colleagues: “Thank you for all of your support and understanding during this period, and flexibility with me working from here during irregular hours. Thank you for encouraging me to go or stay here when the uncertainty or work ethics seemed to take over. I will do the same to you if possible.”

We all need some support along the way. There are many other’s who have been of great support, even with small actions or words. The same goes for you.

Take really good care of yourself and others – that is the most beautiful thing we have got.

Johanna

This song is a tribute to my dear father who was nothing but positive, appreciative and loving to his family during the most difficult time in the end. We love you.

Det vackraste. (The Most Beautiful). To be loved by you is the most beautiful to me.