It’s been awhile. And some big things have happened since I’ve last checked in. I landed the apartment in Holland Village with 2 very awesome Aussies and 1 very vocal kitty. It felt really good to get all of my stuff out of suitcases. It also makes living in Asia feel a lot more real. Some days that’s a good thing. Some days that’s scary.
It’s good because when friends of a friend needed a place to stay, I’m able to help them out. And make new friends at the same time.
It’s bad because there’s so much going on back home that I wish desperately I could be there for. If this were a vacation I could head back in a heartbeat. But it’s definitely not vacation. I knew this would happen, of course. And I tried to mentally prepare myself. I knew that I would miss my nephew’s 1st birthday. And that’s tough. But I wasn’t prepared to lose my uncle in the same weekend. Even though he was suffering from ALS, there are somethings you just can’t prepare yourself for.
I dunno about you, but when I lose someone close to me I think about all the great times I had with them and how they helped make me the person I am today. This week I’ve been thinking a lot about Uncle Bob. His kind, gentle spirit. His smiling eyes and his infectious laugh. He was one of the most generous and thoughtful men I knew. He got me my first job at Pizza Man, which helped me build confidence as an awkward 14 year old and allowed me to save money for a car, gas and college.The pizzas we screwed up (on accident of course) also made for great friend bait and bartering tools at parties after work. So, not only do I owe my uncle a few Bud lights, I also owe him a BIG thanks for helping me form some incredible memories and friendships.
I am also reminded of how fragile life is. None of us know how much time we have on this Earth. Selfishly, that’s the reason I made this giant move. So I can see and learn as much as possible in the time that I’ve got. Sadly, it’s also a reminder that my time with loved ones is limited too. And it’s hard being so far away. It’s a constant inner struggle.
So, while I wish I could be in Effingham, IL honoring and celebrating the life of my amazing uncle. I’ll do it from here by making the most of the life I’ve been given. I know he would be proud.
Here are some pictures of the hike I took on Sunday through the rainforest at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. I climbed to the highest point in Singapore at 163.63 metres. It was a great place to clear my head and find peace.
There’s a monkey in there.
thedaily caning 
beautiful pics, kelly. so sorry for your loss. i understand how you feel. but everything does happen for a reason and i’m sure your uncle wouldn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity! take care.
We are so proud of all three of our children and I know that Bob was also proud of you guys. I am really happy that Bob was able to come to your going away party and that you got a chance to say goodbye to him at that time. Even though you could not be in Effingham this week in body we felt your presence in our hearts. It was a wonderful tribute to my brother and your uncle. He followed absolutely every one of your posts and talked to me about them. He could not have been more proud and certainly would understand you not being physically in Effingham for his farewell.
Your pictures are always awesome and we wait anxiously to see each new post.
Karrie told Mary that she represented all three of you and even thought about going out and changing clothes and coming back in as you. We laughed and we cried. We love you, miss you , and are extremely proud of who you are and what you are doing.
Sorry to hear your loss Kelly, and the entire Hardwick family. I lost my Uncle Jim when I was over in Iraq and can understand how tough it is to grieve when your not there to say goodbye. Just know that you have an angel watching over you now, as I’m sure he was proud of everything that you are doing.
Those are some tall trees…it looks like they reach all the way up to heaven where your dear Uncle is now. And he know that you care about him. Love you lots. Aunt Sara
Kelly, your post about your uncle reminds us all about the fragility of life and the time we have here. You are doing what so many of the rest of us have never had the nerve to do – LIVE! Taking advantage of the chance to see this beautiful world with a positive pen and camera help all of us appreciate this planet more! Thank you!
Sorry you’re going through a hard time 😦 Wish I could give you a big hug, but I’m happy that you’re too far away for that, discovering things about the world and yourself. I know it’s hard. I lost my grandma right after moving to Arizona. Not to make this about me. But I just want you to know someone else out there understands. xo
Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to here about your uncle .! I wasn’t awre that he was ill, so i must get in touch with your parents .What a sweet letter from your daddy . If your uncle had a similiar personality to your dad , he was blessed . I am happy that you have sweet memories .
linda