Today I am thankful for the wonderful family I got to share the day with, the amazing food we ate, the memories recalled, and that my own parents were able to make extra time to come see me on their way back home.
It's hard to believe that so much has happened in less than a week. Was it only Friday that Chris texted me midday to tell me his father had passed away? There hasn't been time to even stop and process it all, and I'm not sure there will be for a bit yet. The memorial here in the Puget Sound will be on Monday, then we'll be flying to Boston for the service there, where he will be laid to rest with his parents and brother on Wednesday.
Laid to rest.
None of us were ready for him to go. Could we ever have been? But I reflect upon the man that I knew, and the memories shared by those who loved him his whole life, and I am so thankful I got to know him at all. My best words of tribute to John are that he was the best father-in-law I'll never get to have. He loved me, and loved my relationship with Chris...he sat on the phone once with me (while he had guests for dinner, mind you) because I was driving my uncle's Forester and the radiator cap blew, causing it to overheat. I'll never forget that while I was working to calm and explain the situation, he told me all about how Subarus have engines designed similarly to airplane engines. (He was also tickled when I took that piece of information and bought my own Forester. Which has not had radiator troubles, thankfully.)
He leaves behind a legacy; children and grand children who are also "wicked smaht", loving, and generous. A wonderful family that I have the absolute pleasure of being a piece of.
My own parents, too, have been wonderful these past few days. I think I've called Mom nearly daily to have someone to talk to, and despite the late hour, they even stopped by the family house tonight to give me hugs and meet Chris's family.
It's heartbreaking to really consider the circumstances that have brought us together, but I'm so glad that I'm surrounded by such wonderful people, who remain just as wonderful in these terrible circumstances. It says a hell of a lot about every person's character, and I love them all.
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In more mundane news, I've knit a few sweaters, am working on another sweater for Chris, and a blanket for a friend. I made an awesome apple pie for dessert tonight, and I'm super thankful for my boss, who authorized me taking time to be with Chris through all of the flights and services.
I think the lessons I've learned, coming out of all this, are that you should fully live during every moment you have; to love your family (traditional family and the less traditional family made up of friends and those close to you); and to never miss the chance to say I love you. Ever.
