Passing on

I'll ask that if you want to comment that you do it to me directly as a private message, thanks!

I'm not one to reveal too much about my private life on the internet, that's just the way I am...however I have something that I have to get out of my system then I can get back to my working-holiday.

While on a road trip from Edmonton to Winnipeg I felt overcome with a sadness and uneasiness...there was no logical reason for it, but I found out later that my Grandmother died at that time.

She was my last grandparent alive, and had lived such a full life - born in Kelowna to Japanese immigrants, she lived on the family property her whole life and I knew she would die there (she did quietly yesterday afternoon). Of course I remember that she was always kind, lived with a quiet honor, and had a laugh that apparently I inherited a touch of. Both my grandparents held such respect for each other and for others. I've strived to try be the best person possible while living a life full of unusual experiences - knowing that this is how I think they lived. It wasn't intentional for them I think, they lived through truly difficult years with the depression, WWII, and internment camps in Canada. My Grandmother was spared the camps here, but both grandparents loved their community and country no matter what had happened.

I'll miss my grandmother, but truthfully her health had deteriorated over the years and things were fairly difficult for her. There are many ideas about what happens after death in Buddhism, the best answer that I like is - we don't know what happens, and that we have today to live the best life possible since it can be over at anytime. The past is perfect (can't be changed), tomorrow isn't here and may never come, and it’s only this moment and our ability to completely change our lives.

Of course this affects me more than words can say, so I'll keep distracted with my work and career...if I'm quiet please be patient...