Life is good

[mamagotcha]

Life is good
Originally uploaded by mamagotcha.

It's a spectacular day... warbling birdies and bright flowers and soft
sunshine. My mom's garden is truly buzzing with activity.

Woke up at oh-god o'clock, Dad and Kathy still sleeping even after I
showered and sorted through a bunch of Mom's clothes.So I snuck off on
my own for a bit, headed to my favorite haunt in nearby Cotati to work
on the obit. Ordered a mix of good and horrible things for breakfast
(the fresh-squeezed carrot/apple/ginger juice would prolly kill poor
Bill). The Redwood Cafe clerk recognized me, asked what was wrong... I
told him, and this pierced and tattooed longhaired guy in a Ministry
shirt didn't hesitate one beat, just came around the counter and wrapped
me in a huge hug.

Yesterday was The Great Safe Deposit Box Key Hunt... took almost the
entire day, but wicktory was eventually mine! (It was very safely hidden
in an inner pocket of an otherwise empty cloth purse, in a pile of
quilting materials and Sierra Club solicitations.)

Thankfully, there's been a minimum of family drama, that traditional
staple of major transitions (knock wood). Sorting through massive
quantities of paper to sift out items for the memorial and important
records has been a task fraught with alternate joy and pain. I feel like
I'm being a filter for my dad, bringing him the little treasures and
treats, and dealing with the crud so he doesn't have to. It's an honor
to do it... but it's hard, too. Aunt Kathy and my sister and Julia and
Bill and Mary have all been holding my hand through it, thankfully.

Called a ton of people... to my surprise and relief, the vast majority
had the courtesy to be away from the phone so I could just leave my
message without having to be sociable (though her hairdresser Rocky was
fun to talk to... boy, I hope he makes it to the service). Speaking of,
the memorial will be at 2pm on Monday, June 22, at Cross & Crown
Lutheran Church on Snyder in Rohnert Park.

A million things to say... all a blur in my mind. I'm sure I'll be
writing more soon... just wanted to let you all know I'm doing OK at the
moment, feeling raw and a little daunted by the task ahead, but also
gaining some confidence now that I've tackled a bit and found my support
foundations. My dad seems to be handling things well, too.

So... onward!

Comments

[waterfaery.livejournal.com]

Good thoughts and lots of support to you. Take care of you and yours!

[uncanny-npl.livejournal.com]

Your dad's so lucky to have you there for support. Well, really, you're all lucky to have each other. Take care.

[lunacow]

It's great to see you in such a positive space in this difficult time. Good luck, and take care of yourself.

[ennienyc.livejournal.com]

Just your heading "Life is good" shows you'll get through this as well as possible.

[jedusor.livejournal.com]

I know the pierced, long-haired Redwood Cafe worker in question. Well, not know, but I saw a lot of him when I was living out there, and that hug surprises me not at all.

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

We shall go see him on Friday morning, if you'd like.