Jo’s Monday walk : Saying goodbye

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Aleksander Boleslaw Szustakiewicz

26.2.1928 – 2.10.2016

My heart is too heavy to walk with you today.  Some of you will know that Dad died whilst I was in the Algarve.  He had a long, and often-times happy life, and made many friends along the way.  He was never happier than when surrounded by family, and it brought real joy to his life when he was reunited with those in his native Poland, after an absence of 64 years.

Tomorrow he will be surrounded by love as we say our goodbyes, remember and celebrate his life.  He was a wonderful Dad, and was ever present in my life.  The loss will be huge, but the connection to Poland will endure, as he would have wanted.

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I know you will excuse me from commenting this week, but whilst I was away the walks continued to roll in.  I would like you to share them in my absence.  Many thanks in anticipation of your tolerance and kind thoughts.  I will be back walking with you next week.

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Cathy’s been romping all over Iceland!  This is just one of many.  Enjoy!

North Iceland : The Black Lava Field & Solfataras of Leirhnjukur at Krafla

Meantime, Becky is edging eastwards with a whole lot of history :

Going east on the Thames Path

Not just the home of golf!  Ask Elaine!

St. Andrews

Autumn as you don’t very often see it.  Through Cardinal’s eyes :

Autumn Streets

Some day I must make it to Sicily.  Pretty please!  Lady Lee loves it :

Ancient theatre of Taormina

When Sue waxes lyrical you just have to sit up and pay attention!

Larch Trees in Canada- The Beauty Queens

Serious Sue (I’m differentiating  🙂  ) kindly lets me ride her mobility scooter at Wisley :

Signs of Autumn and a Sculpture Trail

Drake has found himself a jewel of a home in Alsace :

High five surroundings

And Biti, the most beautiful ‘shell’ house you’ll ever see :

Ballymaloe Cooking School- The Shell House

Debbie tells the story of Wojtek, the bear who went to war.  If you were curious about him after my last post, here it is!

Soldier Bear 

Geoff goes strutting his stuff around London :

Crystal Palace to Grove Park

Let Jaspa take you to another fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site :

The Forts and Tunnels of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

I knew very little about Milwaukee till I read Jackie’s post :

Day 3- Milwaukee

Spicy chilli hot chocolate?  Have some with Violet Sky :

St. Boniface and Gabrielle Roy

Navarra has such a nice sound to it.  Leya would love to show you around :

Ziga, Baztan- Natural, Yet Sophisticated

Take care of each other.

214 comments

  5. It’s so wonderful that you had such a great relationship with your father, Jo, one you will always carry in your heart. I know you will miss him dearly. Love and peace to you and your family, dear Jo. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time and know that we all hold you in our prayers. Hugs and love. xxx

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      1. Aw, sorry Jo, didn’t mean to make you cry. Rest up now and take care of yourself. It’s a very emotional roller-coaster time. Off to daughter’s today, Barca tomorrow. Catch up when I’m back 🙂

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  13. Jo, I am so very sorry to have read this sad news. I’ve temporarily (?) left the WordPress world, as you’re aware, but still at times open a post or two. (Two might be saying a lot) My heartfelt condolences, my friend. I can’t know precisely how you feel but my heart, as many others, knows this feeling of helpless and sorrow. I’m here for you, should you need an ear. I sincerely mean that. I’m still not able to wrap my mind around my mother’s absence, but my love for her, and the love of the people around me cares me through. Be well, my faraway friend. With love, Gemma

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    1. Gemma, it’s so very lovely to hear from you. Just the other day I was thinking it’s time to give Gem another poke 🙂 I have been surrounded by love and support, as was Dad. People are so very kind, and yesterday was made wonderful for him. He’s at peace now and I’m finding my way. I will email when things settle a little.

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  15. So sorry again for your sad loss Jo. Thinking of you at this difficult time and hope tomorrow goes as well as these things can in the circumstances. Lovely photo and a special tribute to your dear dad, take care xxx

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  19. immaginavo che la tua lunga assenza doveva avere un motivo preciso, ma certo non avrei mai voluto che fosse così triste!
    le parole non servono a molto, ma a volte pensandole sonovere:
    non piangere perché l’hai perduto, sorridi per il lungo tempo che con lui hai passato, sorridi ai ricordi e al suo Amore che terrai sempre nel tuo cuore chiuso come in uno scrigno prezioso
    tutto il mio affetto per te cara Giovanna e per la tua famiglia tutta

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