A Long and Emotional Weekend

It's only Saturday night, but it has already been a long emotional weekend for Joe. Last night was the visitation for Joe's aunt Sue. We left Durham around 4:30 yesterday afternoon heading for Rocky Mount and The Church of the Good Shepard Episcopal Church. We arrived early enough to get some dinner before the visitation, however, the GPS apparently was really confused and instead of taking us to McDonald's where we could take advantage of the free wi-fi, it announced "you have arrived" in front of Hardee's. Rather than wondering aimlessly around Rocky Mount, we just pulled in and had burgers there. Afterwards we went on to the Church for the visitation. Joe held his composure until he went up to his cousin Kim, Sue's daughter. The sudden loss of her mother was very hard on her and her girls. We just drifted around talking to more relatives for the next couple of hours. Catching up on things with Whitney, Emily, Mark, Katie, Renee, Ted, Tommie, Mary Kay, Ellyn, and Brittany. Sadly, funerals are sometimes the only time you see relatives for years at a time. Hearing the cousins talk about their childhood adventures was very enjoyable to me and Joe's mood brightened up somewhat. One of his cousins was graduating from NC State today -- woo hoo Emily!!!! -- so we spent some time with her inquiring about her future plans. She is quite an impressive young lady. Tomorrow we will be going by their house for a graduation celebration for her.

Today however was Sue's funeral so we drove back to Rocky Mount again. It was a beautiful service in a lovely Church. Even though Episopal, we did sing a couple of Baptist standards - "Amazing Grace" and "Blessed Assurance" and after the eulogy and prayers we participated in Holy Communion. A reception followed and we left Rocky Mount around 5 pm and headed back home. We were both very tired by the time we got home so we just popped out for a salad at a nearby salad bar restaurant and we both went upstairs to bed around 9 pm. It's 9:43 pm as I type this and Joe is already fast asleep. Chemo on Thursday, followed by 2 emotional and travel filled days has taken a bit of a toll on him. He's been complaining of being cold all night and about 30 minutes ago said he was now hot. I hope all this activity hasn't been too much on him. What he needs most right now is rest.

We did see his mother and sister in Rocky Mount of course and the best way to describe it was "awkward". Joe did speak to both of them and I spoke to his mother but only to say hello. I'm not ready for more than that just yet. It was clear that our distance hurt her and for that I'm sorry but there has been no conversation yet about resolving the issues at hand and neither Joe or I are willing to just pretend things are like they used to be and nothing has happened. At Sue's funeral was not an appropriate time to get into it either.

Tomorrow, Sunday, we have a full day of 2 church services in the morning and then Emily's party in the afternoon. I was supposed to mow the yard this weekend but it looks like it might be Monday evening before that happens. I can procrastinate with the best of them!

I meant to post this Saturday night, but apparently I was as tired as Joe because I fell asleep while typing. I woke up at 1 am with the iPad on my chest.

Thank you to all who have expressed their condolences to Joe on the loss of his aunt Sue and continue to lift him up in their prayers. Your support and love is felt very strongly. Thank you.