tracker7 | Kobayashi's Domain

It's been a long week.

Tuesday afternoon was all of the obligatory scrambling around and getting family together and making arrangements and finding places for people to sleep and other associated stuff. We all stayed busy, reinforced each other, that sort of thing. Had a tiny spat with my mom - I stayed in a hotel for the two nights I was in Liberty, and that's just outside Mom's ability to understand, but I cannot get anything like restful sleep in Mom&Dad's house anymore. As always, late-night phone call with #1 Crush.

I volunteered to drive to Louisville to get The Niece on Wednesday morning, and #1C called while I was on I-65. We clarified some things from the previous night's talk, and from a conversation we'd had when I was at a hospital Monday morning. Got to The Niece's house and headed back to Liberty. Poor girl, she was dealing with a nasty cold. Got a text from

tegyrius regarding a tornado watch in Liberty - just before we got off of I-65 and drove through some really nasty rain mixed with hail for about 15 minutes. Clear weather for the rest of the drive, thankfully.

Visitation was that evening. Lots of hugs and handshakes and tears, and getting to see people I missed without really knowing that I did. #1C and

elalyr and Tegyrius came down for a while, and the four of us and my brother spent some time together telling old stories and catching up and just being together when Matt and I needed it. Late dinner with #1C, and then back to my hotel while she headed to Lexington.

The funeral itself was as good as such things can be. Darren Gillespie, who was pastor of my home church when I left (not because of him, dear heavens no) conducted the service. I did what I'm apparently wired to do - was stoic, the rock against which the waves break, the one family member who grieves privately and provides strength for the rest. Wake afterwards, lots of reconnecting and some pictures and exchanging contact information. I had planned to drive The Niece back to Louisville that evening, but she stayed with Mom&Dad, and I headed home.

Friday started the return to normalcy. It was a good - if busy - day at work. Lots of "We're glad you're back" and "Let us know if you need anything." Got through it okay, was reminded again that I work with and for some pretty terrific people, and went home. Another late-night talk with #1C.

Yesterday was solitude, for the most part. Worked on UKON stuff, which will be the order of business for today, too.

Thanks again to all of you for your kind words and support. They mean a lot.