Monday, April 30, 2007

Spoiling Babes

Potsdam, Germany
0:30 am
Cold wind, dark

Hey,

I did a lot for just myself over the last couple of days. Loosing my aunt has hurt, a great deal, but I am coping surprisingly well. I miss her, but also know that no matter where she is now, everything is better than it has been before. I love you!

Last weekend I went to Hanover to get spoiled by my aunt Traute. She’s a strong woman and a great inspiration for me. She took me out for lunch, did bike rides with me around Hanover. Made me breakfast every morning and just listened as I talked. Sometimes I was the one listening, as she did the talking. One thing always seems strange: she’s convinced I am the perfect Christian. Her arguments are about my opinions on life, loving to help with rarely accepting anything in returning and my openness towards other people and cultures. There’s one thing though: I do not believe in God.


The last couple of days I spend some time with Marina. BTW, she’s working on her driver’s license right now. I decided to put some of my great-aunt’s money to good use. She would have loved that.

I also spend some time with Max. He’s growing up so fast. Asking for his “erni”, running in and out of the room and charming everyone with his adorable smile.


And today I was out with Jana and her lovely son Yannick. He’s the cutest little guy. We strolled around Potsdam and its Parks for 3 hours, while Yannick enjoyed his prime seat.



There’s no better medicine to cure a soul than the laughter of a child. The three of us decided to go visit Sandra. She had taken a rain check on the walk because she had to clean her apartment. Okay, she was surprised and I guess a bit miffed, but in the end she loved having Jana and Yannick there.



He took a nap and was up and about afterwards.


Have a peaceful night.
Love, A.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Recovering

Potsdam, Germany
01:00 pm
Warm, sunny.

Greetings,

I am currently residing on my balcony, enjoying the lovely weather.

Thank you all for your condolences, this is a hard time I am facing but having so much support helps a lot. During the last 1 ½ weeks I managed to arrange everything for the funeral, which will be in Berlin on the 26th.
Off to other things:
I lost my voice. Yes, this is not a joke. And all those of you who met me, know how horrible this is for me. The reason I lost my voice is yet another Bronchitis. But I’ll be better soon.
Because I am finally on vacation (till the 2nd of May). Besides taking care of my grandaunt’s things, I will try to relax and do things for my own sanity. Teaching my sisters class and going to Hanover for a short trip are just 2 things.

Two days ago I finally managed to get my ticket to Chennai, India, where I’ll be spending two weeks a Dr. Renu Weiss’s house. She is a great woman with a big heart, check out the Banyan (link on the right), where she works at. Oh, and check out her blog, the way she writes about her life, just read it.

As you all know my best friend Patty is staying in Canada at the moment. He is planning on spending New Year’s in New York with some of us. If everything goes as planned, I will be going to NY for a couple of days and then stay 2 weeks at the Taber’s home. The ticket is rather cheap (640 €) for a trip like this. I will have to wait till after my time out to see whether I am allowed to go on a vacation over New Year’s. Update on that soon.

Have a lovely day,
A.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Defeat

Potsdam, Germany
03:00 pm
Sunny and warm

My aunt left us on April 4th 2007. After 2 ½ weeks of ICU-Care, she went silently. You will always be remembered and we thank you for all the things you graced us with: your smile, patience, love, indulgence, laughter, hugs, gifts, lunches and memories from your life. We know that you are sitting above us on a cloud, finally reunited with your greatest love and surrounded by family and friends; still watching over us and keeping us save. I promise to keep you in my heart forever.


With much sadness and love,
A.