This week, this year

Two years ago today my mom and I took Catherine and Thomas to a cat show.  It wasn't exactly what we had expected (although I'm not exactly sure what I expected) and I remember my mom telling the kids that Grandpa wanted to buy the cats some toys.  They each picked out an item they thought the cats would love (they were both right, by the way) and Mom paid for them...those were our last (tangible) gifts from my Dad.  He called while we were at the cat show, and it was our last conversation.  He was released from the hospital three days later, and the next day I vividly remember.  My mom had called that day and he was having a really good day, which made the phone call that evening all the more shocking.  It's hard to explain that my father's death was unexpected after a seventeen year illness, but he'd been having such a good day.  I try to be grateful that his last day was that way.

There is a big part of me that would just like to curl up and not face this week this year.  It's easier than last year, but I kind of just want to be alone with my memories.  That is not realistic though, and I'm grateful that life does indeed go on.

Unfortunately, we are facing another family member's passing.  My dad's cousin's wife has had Alzheimer's for years, and shortly after Dad's passing she was placed in a facility for her care.  I learned yesterday that Hospice was called in at the end of last week, and the end is very near.  I am praying it isn't today as it is her daughter's birthday and that just shouldn't happen that way.  Prayers are sent to Nancy and her family.