Forever And a Day

Hi, guys.

It's me. I'm alive!! Did you miss me?

It seems to me as if I've been gone forever and a day. I'm actually still not home, yet.

On December 31, 2021, not long after I recovered from Covid I received a text from my very best friend in the world.

"My mom died."

I immediately flew out to Los Angeles to help in any way I could.

I helped make funeral arrangements and helped take care of Gracie's dad. I did dishes and helped with the cooking.

Oh, and I got Covid again.

For a couple of weeks my friend, her dad, and I were all stuck together in a very crowded home. I had hoped to use that time helping to clear out a lot of the clutter, but neither Gracie nor her dad were actually ready for anything to be done.

I think the most important part of my visit was keeping her dad entertained. He kept saying he didn't feel like talking to anyone but he talked and talked and talked. And I listened. Gracie, meanwhile, was working on a memorial slide show to present at the funeral and on the memorial website.

The funeral wasn't until February 1, 2022. We went to view the body on January 1. That was pretty difficult, especially for the family. I am glad they had a chance to see her so they were not so shocked by her appearance on the day of the funeral.

As a part of the funeral services, I read a couple of poems the family had chosen and shared a little memory I have of Liz (Gracie's mom). Each of the family members came up and spoke briefly about their mom and grandmother. The pastor read what Gracie and Charlie anted to say. Neither of them felt they would be able to speak without falling apart. Gracie's sister, Evelyn, who is also my very best friend in the world, performed a sign language song. She had everyone in tears.

The last week I was in Los Angeles I spent at Evelyn's daughter's house so I could spend time with Evelyn.

After Evvy time I took a plane to San Francisco to visit with my brother. I spent a lot of time with my five-year-old niece who taught me a few board games and begged me to play "chest" (chess) with her. The sweetest thing she said was, "I wish you could stay longer."

With Liz's sudden death looming large in my mind and on my heart I felt a strong desire to spend time with my mom. So, I flew to New York. I'll be here for 2 weeks and will come home on February 23rd.

After nearly two months away I wonder if my animals have forgotten me. I know my husband will be glad to have me home. I will also be so happy to sleep in my own bed on my own pillow next to my husband (and the little dog).

I'm also looking forward to cuddling my goats and to begin writing every day nce again.

Sculpture in the San Fransisco airport. Photo by Author.