Update March 24, 2025

Time for another update. Yes, a lot of people are texting and asking about me but a lot of that could be because it is my birthday! Either way. It is time.

First of all, I cannot say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU enough. Whether you were here in person, on zoom or just in the spirit- so much love came through for the memorial!

So many showed up. The sun came out as requested and the weather was perfect all through the weekend! There were many children running around and playing in the yard and we had an outdoor fire (tended to by my neighbor and his wife who live right behind my house.) Then Linda and Robert (Michael’s sister and her husband) hosted a lovely brunch at their hotel on the river the next morning for family and some others. And then, more hanging out at my house. We played music together and talked and talked. IF you want to see pictures, Amanda Joyce (McMullen) posted a LOT on Facebook for your viewing pleasure.

I won’t lie, it was hard waking up Sunday am to an empty house. It just reminded me of how lovely it is to have people we love so much in the physical realm- and so many traveled home to far away places. It did remind me that Michael was not with me physically any more. However, he has taken up a type of residence, kind of hanging out over my right shoulder and he encourages me a lot. Although often he voices a few reiterations of what he told me so much during our last year together:  “Slow Down! Don’t be in such a hurry, be more mindful……) But Michael hasn’t been here for hugs. My local friends and family are really helping with frequent hugs and check ins. Hazel and I are definitely on a schedule of a lot more sleep overs at my house.

I have never lived alone.  Wow! Think about that! I am kind of determined to hang in there and see what the experience is like. Different for sure.

Today for my birthday my cousin Daph and Hazel and Hope and I all went for a lovely hike. Then Daph bought us all lunch (including David) and gave me a gift card for some interesting store I need to visit soon. And today, was the first warm day of no rain after the memorial! The elementals are really trying to cheer me up I think!

I keep running outside to soak up sun rays, feeling healing coming into me one ray at a time.

As I stated in the email- I did post in the Stories Section the printed version of Michael’s Eulogy by sister Linda and me.  Also posted you will find what Mandy said and what John said.

I will be starting a grief support group provided by hospice in April and I ALSO signed up for a grief support group at the church I started attending. I am curious as to how they will differ AND I am a bit of a glutton for support.  It couldn’t hurt, right?