Apr 15 - more memories

I don't wear a suit much these days. Reaching into my pants pocket, what do I find ? ... a receipt from the fruit/veggie tray from Alexander's wake. Ugghh.

I went to the visitation, the main event for the day, and hung out for about 1:45. It was a small, packed room and it was hot. I'm too used to wearing shorts, it seems, not long pants, shirt and tie. I had a chance to visit with my cousins and my aunt. Everyone is doing reasonably well, adjusting -- at least on the surface. Naturally my cousins are worried about their Mom ... what will she do on Tuesday after the crowds disperse ?

Everything happened very quickly. As little as a week ago, they were expecting to do chemo ... that he'd have a few months to live. That was not to be. Michael flew back from Bermuda for a meeting with the doctors; then at Anne's suggestion, back again as my uncle wasn't doing very well. That's when she'd concluded that he didn't have much time. Starting Thursday they were doing 24 hour rotation; my aunt decided to stay that night; he passed away. There were no last minute heroics. Those months had become days.

There were lots of pictures, all very recent, since they were all digital and no-one had had time to scan photos. There was a casket, but it was closed. That's three -- they did the same thing for my aunt, his and my Dad's sister -- and of course for my Dad, we didn't have a visitation, just a gathering at Michael's.

Bobbie & her Paul plus Tracy showed up just as I was leaving, so I had a chance to catch up with them. Tracy had flown in on a red-eye and hadn't rested yet. Her husband Rick's Dad had just passed away, the memorial the day before, if I have the dates correct. Anne was there without her Paul, who was tending horses about to give birth -- if they haven't, the vet will do that duty today. One of Paul (cousin, too many Pauls !), kids is in Europe. Kelly and John are in Boston for the marathon. Otherwise, everyone expected was there. Scott was not .... didn't expect him ... but is supposed to be there today. I wasn't sure whether Susan or Walter would come up, they were in Florida the last I heard.

There was quite a crowd. Since everyone works and lives in Toronto ... well, Michael is everywhere ... lots of their friends came and went. It was largely a younger crowd -- my Aunt's friends are mainly in Florida now. Their time in Canada was for family, in Scarborough and at their cottage; their time in Florida with friends.

My aunt wants to go to Florida and "clean things out". I'm not sure how quickly that will happen but we'll certainly do everything that we can to help. There are so many offers of help though that we are not likely to get involved.

I heard from Bonnie that they will be out part of the day tomorrow but do want to get together. I'll call them on the way up today and find out their schedule -- hey, I'm open !

What will I do WITHOUT INTERNET ?!?!? I'll type blogs for later transmission, perhaps ... watch CNN at 5am .... :).

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David and Kim have done quite well here in Barrie. The house is great, well built and functional. The dry cleaning business is doing well, up 16% in business this year which is all money in their pockets -- a direct reflection on how hard David is working and client satisfaction. David does work his A$$ off though, long hours. It won't be long before they're 1 year into their 5 year loan from buying the business ... time does fly.

David has gone to work already; Kim and Megan are getting organized for work and school.

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Onward, as always.