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Pragmatist

Another Goodbye
Mon Dec 29 2003

Today was a brief ceremony of "unveiling the headstone." It was a cold, windy day. We all viewed the beautiful headstone set up at Helen's grave, said a few prayers, and honored Helen's memory.

Allen's eldest, J., picked him up from where he was living, along with a myriad of suitcase, totes and boxes. Allen's daughter J. and son E. come over last night and loaded a bunch of luggage in the trunk of my car. I'm thinking half the baggage area of the plane they were taking would be filled with their luggage. Well, after all, Allen was taking all his possessions with him to a new home.

I picked up E. and his son C. at the synagogue, then picked up friend Harry, then realized I needed to gas up. Should have done that yesterday, but even so, we got to the cemetery in plenty of time.

We had to decide what to do with Harry, as my taking him back home would put us out of the way to the airport, but there was no way to leave Harry out of the ceremony, as Allen had specifically asked him to be present. As it happened another friend of the family was willing to take Harry home. He was to meet with his son at noon, so it wasn't feasible to take him to the airport then deliver him home. Things do work out.

J. suggested that she drive my car in order to follow her brother, who drives like a bat out of you know where, in the other car. Hey! five people, a ton of luggage and a wheelchair don't fit into one car. Anyway, I assured J. that I could keep up. I don't exactly drive with a light foot on the freeway. And keep up, I did. She was amazed. Oh, yes, the young son C. was in my car along with J. And the daughter M. went with her father and grandfather in the other car.

Anyway, we got to the airport and the security lines were long. There were cops all over the place. Not doing anything but chatting with each other, but they were there...just in case. In case of what?

Anyway, we got both cars unloaded and I took off for home again. J. is going to meet her husband in San Francisco and they'll party with friends for a few days, then she will return to Sacramento to do more about the house.

I tried to read more of the Sunday paper, but decided to take a nap instead.

While re-reading, proof-reading, this account seems rather disjointed. But actually, the day went very smoothly.

But now it's time for TV. Very interesting program on Native American tales and legends coming up next.

Shalom

8 Comments
  • From:
    Allimom (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    Taking a nap is good. People should do it more often.
    Alli
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    You driving like a bat out of ---- on the freeway.... a vision I would just as soon imagine from this distance! I am a nail biter passenger.
    And I occasionally squeak when things get too uncomfortable for me in the car, which is often.
    I think people should never travel faster than a horse can run..... it's just a feeling I have :-)

    Write on!
    Y.
  • From:
    TraumaMama (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    I just wrote a description on how to cut and paste only to have it disappear. I'll try again tomorrow, I have had all the frustration I can take with DD tonight!
    Happy New Year!
  • From:
    CovertOps (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    Enjoy your Native American telly program, dear Chaya!
    My thoughts are with Helen's family. What a touching ceremony that was. It made me feel a little weird, and a little sad, realizing how final death is. 'Unveiling the headstone' has a sad ring to it.
    I would not have been able to keep up with the driving. I am a slow and cautious driver. I am full of admiration for you, Chaya!
    As for your questions in my Diary, the bike ride from the apartment to my parents' home would take about six hours, so that leaves out any question of me attempting that. Besides, our roads are not safe. Female motorists, let alone cyclists, have been attacked and robbed before. The traffic and pollution in the city is another problem.
    As for not taking sick leave, I don't intend to spread my germs, but I do intend to finish at least 3 hours of work before leaving the office to recuperate at home. I won't, however, take sick leave for illnesses that are not contagious.
    Love,
    E.L.
  • From:
    Sezrah (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    don't ya love airports!
    i find them wonderfully fascinating places, so long as i'm not the one having to stand in the long lines ;)
    i just enjoy the fact that people of all races and social statuses are mingled together in one place

    sez
  • From:
    Monstergue (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    Hi,
    I know it was difficult saying goodbye to your friend but distance doesn't put a pall over true friendships. (((((((hugs)))))))

    Bobbi
  • From:
    Ozone (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    I'm sorry Chaya that I have been so scarce lately. Just when I think that things have settled down, something else happens. Duke has been a real handfull and with the time spent tending to him, some computer problems, my e mail being down since Christmas, my cold and crappy weather, I have just been up to my ears this past two weeks. Thanks for your concern, hope to be back to normal soon.
  • From:
    Thubten (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Dec 29 2003
    In the past my daughter has driven like a bat out of hell, and I've screamed when had a close call. She would turn to yell at me, without changing speed... I'm glad to say she's calming down a lot lately, *phew*. I'm glad I'm over that *youth* thing.
    All the transitions and movement going on in your life. You are such a good person, so thoughtful of everyone! I'm glad to know you...
    Love and (((hugs))) from Thubten