Weekend Coffee Share is a time for us to take a break out of our lives and enjoy some timely catching up with friends (old and new)!
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I just got back from a funeral for a phenomenal lady. Eleanor was a wise, vibrant, loving woman who opened her heart to all who knew her. I used to babysit for her and her kids were a joy, because they had great parents. She was a cool parent that I looked up to, but she wasn’t cool because she was lax, but because she exuded a joie de vivre. Her daughter, who was my sister’s best friend in primary school, gave one of the best eulogies I’ve ever heard featuring stories of her mom’s early life and praising her immigrant grandparents through every stage of life featuring stories, funny and poignant, while ending with the challenge to take a page from Eleanor’s book and explore a new place, read more, give more, be more hospitable.
After the funeral, we went to a lunch and by chance I saw a woman who was in my high school class. We weren’t in the same social circle, but knew many of the same people.
Last Saturday I went to the Eagle Scout ceremony for my brother Bill’s youngest son, Will. Will is the fourth brother to achieve this status. Three scouts were honored and one was the first girl in this troop. It was a neat ceremony honoring these teens for their work for the community, their knowledge and skills in everything from ecology to space exploration.
The ceremony was held at a nearby forest preserve and we were lucky that the rain we had only lasted 10 minutes or so. Afterwards we went to my brother’s for a celebratory barbecue.
On Tuesday my walking pal and I explored Pilsen, a Chicago neighborhood full of terrific murals. The day was sunny and warm. We found a good bakery and I introduced Ruth to my favorite Pilsen restaurant.
smkelly8
No Fixed Plans 
Eleanor sounds like an amazing woman – and her joy shines through in that photos. That mural is amazing! #weekendcoffeeshare
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She was a positive influence and a great role model on how to live. Thanks for visiting.
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That photo of Eleanor shows how I imagine she embodied her life. Visiting from #weekendcoffeeshare
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It captures her spirit so well. You usually see more serious portraits of people when they die, but this wonderful family chose this one for the program for the ceremony. A great decision.
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That photo of Eleanor looks like she was a lovely fun-loving person. Funerals can be such good occasions to celebrate someone’s life.
How fun to explore murals. I love some good street art!
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Thanks Susanne. It was meaningful, though emotionally hard, to go to the funeral. I think they’re great ways to celebrate a life and to lessen sorrow, by seeing that it’s shared and bonding with those who’re grieving. I worry about Dr. B., Eleanor’s husband who’s so devastated. They had a remarkable marriage and it will be so hard for him to live alone.
They had quite a love story and when I was young, they had the kind of marriage I wanted–full of respect, humor, wisdom and love. My family will reach out to him more, but we’re rather far. I do expect his family and friends will make sure he isn’t alone now.
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Thanks for sharing some of their story. I hope dr B can get the help and support he needs. It is very difficult of course to be alone after a long life in a marriage.
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Now I want to go back to Chicago and see that mural!!!!!
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The neighborhood is full of them. There are plenty of good restaurants too. The National Mexican Art Museum is there and reopens July 1.
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I’m sorry about Eleanor. When you say “joie de vivre”, I think that photo really shows it. Congrats to the Eagle scout. Cool mural!
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Oh gosh, that was a heartfelt post of mixed emotions. I am sorry about the loss of such a vibrant woman. And send my best to her family and friends. Good on those who achieved their Eagle Scout status. The building in pink is amazing. I would be mesmerised by its colours. Thank you for sharing. Denyse #weekendcoffeeshare
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Pilsen is a cheerful neighborhood in Chicago. It’s a good place to stroll and enjoy a good meal for anyone who comes to Chicago.
Thanks for all your kind comments.
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Sorry to hear about Eleanor. I love who the picture of Eleanor, that you shared, captures the joy and depth of her laugh!
A mural walk sounds lovely especially if all the art work if as wonderful as the mural on the pink building.
Hope you have a lovely week. Thank you for the virtual coffee.
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The 100s of murals in Pilsen are wonderful and there are many styles. I’ll be posting more in the days ahead. Thanks for visiting.
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What a joy to have known such an amazing woman! Congrats to the new Eagle Scout! And what an amazing mural!
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Thank you for all the kind words. Your comment helps me focus on my blessings.
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Sorry to hear about Eleanor. I hope remembering her joie de vivre gives you comfort. Congrats to the Eagle scout. I’d love to see the murals next time I visit Chicago. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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That photo of Elenor is amazing. You can just sense her joy! That mural is gorgeous!
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Thank you! She was amazing. I was blessed to know her. Pilsen is filled with great murals. It’s a gem of a Chicago neighborhood.
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That is a stunning mural!
Anyways, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. The way you described her matches the photo posted — joie de vivre! Sounds like she had a wonderfully full life!
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I believe she enjoyed her life to the full. Her son mentioned how she told him that some people choose misery. I agree with Eleanor and the Stoics that you decide what attitude to take in life.
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