When I was 5 years old, my little sister, Maureen, died. After she was gone I was immersed in my own and my parents emotional pain for many months.
One day, shortly after Maureen's passing, I proclaimed to my Mother that I was never ever going to have human babies and instead would give birth to only puppies or kittens. They seemed much hardier to me and I somehow felt we had a choice.
Time moved on and I eventually gave birth to three beautiful sons. They were adorable little guys and with their unique personalities and interests, there was never a waking moment when something memorable wasn't taking place.
As small boys are apt to do, they grew up and moved far away. I missed them terribly as one by one they followed each other to Kelowna, a beautiful city in a stunning British Columbia mountain valley.
In September we flew to Victoria, BC and after spending an idyllic week exploring Vancouver Island, boarded the ferry and drove to the Okanagan Valley to spend a cherished week visiting with my sons David, Iain and Rob and David's girlfriend, Angie.
We had a wonderful time and when it came time to say goodbye, I steeled my heart and held back my tears.
While sharing in giant goodbye hugs, my heart overflowed with pride and love for each one and the very fine young men they had become.
It never ceases to amaze me how very fortunate I am that I was blessed with not just one, but three such caring, wonderful sons. They have all of the qualities I hoped they would have and then some.
Rob, Dave, myself and Iain at a lookout point near Kalamalka Lake.
©2009JoSmith
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