Fool Resistant

( End of life update for Eldest Cat )

I've had a half-dozen likes since I posted that. I'm crying and covered in snot and my eyes are throbbing (I'm not a good cryer) but I really do feel loved. And like my friends are cheering us on, that we can make it this last little bit together.

And we will.

Edit: Saturday morning:
We did make it. He was so tired this morning that it broke my heart to pick him up. But he made it through with no pain and no fear.

(Earlier this week, my partner Raven's dad passed away.)

Me: I'm going to the store, do you need anything?

Raven: I need... some sour cream. (very serious look) My dad passed away... and... I think... he would have wanted me to have it.

Me: How long are you going to ask for things that way?

Raven: About six months?

Me: Sounds fair.

( final news for kitten )

Hug 'em if you got 'em, folks.

My only remaining grandparent (or, as he frequently put it, my YOUNGEST grandfather) Popa Ted passed away today.

It was very sudden, and unexpected (at least by all of us who remain) and swift; he was found at the kitchen table of his little home, which my parents had built next door to theirs after my grandmother passed a few years ago.

( A little about my grandfather's interesting and remarkable life )

My grandfather attended my baptism last year, and at dinner afterwards told us all the story of when he was baptized at Fittstown in the river. He helped inspect my house and plan some of the repairs and upgrades.

My grandfather was terrified of the idea of having to stay in the hospital, so while I am sad that he's gone, I know that he would have certainly chosen to pass away at home rather than in the company of strangers.

My friend amysuemom lost a friend yesterday, and her children lost a teacher. He was in his 40's, and though I didn't know him, from all reports he was a pretty awesome guy.

Tonight at church* we're writing notes of encouragement to people who might need them.

Please think about what you'd say if you were asked to say a few words at the funeral of someone you know, someone who really impressed you, maybe even someone who usually goes without thanks.

And think about why you're not telling them today.

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*I should note that I'll be there ONLY if I don't fall asleep, which is generally what happens about 4pm. *sigh*

Apparently a few of my uncle's friends wrote to him when his father passed away in June. I found my uncle's reply to them, and thought it was worth sharing. Here it is, below the cut.

( on the occurrence of my father's death )

Every night, I listen to the voices of those who have lost someone they loved, and while I prayed for them, I did not share their names.

Today, I have one to share.

My grandfather, J. B. Corvin, passed from this life to the next this morning.

He enjoyed a full life with his wife of nearly 65 years and their family. He was a devout member of the Assembly of God church, participated highly with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Good Sams, and was visited by his friends and neighbors until the end.

I will be at home with my family today.

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The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.