This entry will be very wishy washy, telling things out of sequence, etc.

I had an uncle that has been my grandson's babysitter at my house for the last three or four years. He was actually at the birth of my grandson. They formed a very tight bond, and of course he became ever closer to my husband and me. December 26th , he died. We were all devastated. His wife called me at work before 7 a.m. that morning and I could not leave, but his son and wife was at my house. I called my husband and told him to wake them and send them to the hospital but he died before anyone got there. I was beside myself at work, but I did not feel I could handle circumstances at home.

Oddly, something happened that day that kept me grounded, on an even keel, and occupied my mind until I left that day to come home to his mourning wife and son. One of my dear friends here pm'd me, venting, seeking advice and solace. I responded to him, keeping my mind in a peaceful place, talking honestly and truthfully with him, putting my grief aside, making it possible for me to go on working. Then, one of my friends pm'd me asking me to read a short story of his, and beta it, giving my opinion. That took a couple of hours of my time, and by the time I got to leave work for the day, I was a lot stronger, ready to face the sadness and chaos at my home.

It has been a hard couple of days at my house, wall to wall company, getting food together for the crowd, and I was asked if we could do a memorial service at my home, which we did. My uncle's only living sibling is a pastor, and he conducted the services at my home out on the deck. It was very simple since my uncle had chosen cremation and his remains would not be ready for 12-14 days. We displayed pictures and a few other memorable things that some of us had.

I will miss him so much, and my hubby loved him to death. Three months ago, they were cutting firewood and enjoying the firepit, and a couple of beer together. This day was our last chance to do for him in life and in death.

Life serves some hard circumstances and choices, but other things hands you moments to get your thoughts together and make it through the day. making it possible to bend to the verdict of an unexpected death.