Thankyou

Another milestone has been achieved, and in time for Memorial Day.  Mary's headstone is in place.  I took her peach colored roses the other day, her favorite.  Craig II and I went to visit for Mother's Day.  I took pictures of her headstone to her family reunion last week.  Without exception there was amazement with her service in Vietnam and Persian Gulf.  She's my war hero.

At the reunion I had several really helpful discussions with some of Mary's relatives.  It has promoted this writing.  I'm so very thankful to several folks who have given greatly of themselves to help me heal and progress.

First let me thank Bryn.  Bryn was a boss, a coworker and more importanly one hell of a great friend.  When Mary had her heart attack in 2001, on Sept 11, she didn't want anyone to know she had a heart attack.  She made me promise not to tell her mom, our son, friends, relatives, etc.  The mental burden on me was extreme.  I called Bryn at a late hour after driving around for many hours trying to understand what was going on and hoping this wouldn't result in her death.  It didn't but it did result in a double bypass.  Anyway, I called Bryn, he said I could come visit, and I did.  It was a great help.  Eleven years later, on the same date Bryn was there to lend support and an ear.  And he has been there every time I've felt the need.  Not to mention the cooking lessions and breakfasts.

There are many others that have stepped up.  Tom. Tim, Al, Audrey, Pat, Gina, Martha and more recently Marsha and Tracy.   Tracy is the wife of one of Mary's cousins.   She recently shared some very sage advice, and I appreciate that.   There are so many things I need to thank all of you for sharing, providing, or just listening.

In the past month my company decided that I needed to be RIF'd.  So currently I'm unemployed, and I may stay that way.  I didn't want to retire yet, but that is because I didn't want to make another significant change in my life in a 12 month period.  The retirement/unemployment has given me more time to think about things that I really didn't want to think about.  This isn't a cry for help, it is just an acknowledgement of appreciation to all those that stand up during an emotional need.  Thank you so very very much.

Another Achievement

It has turned out great.  Lots of lights, Lots of storage space and really nice appliances.

Two things in particular stand out.  One is the cabinet above the open counter area - a cabinet with glass doors on both sides that make it easy to access and to display some unique German Beer glasses.  I really, really like it.  and second is the tile work for the back splash.  It starts left of the stove, goes above and below the window and all the way to the sliding door.  It is excellent.  Also, in the second picture you'll see that I removed the room dividing ballisters, and the construction guy put down a slab of granite left over from making the counter tops.  The granite on the counter top is very nice and the job done on the seems is excellent.  I'm still trying to get the kitchen organized as to where I put pans, knives, etc.  I'm learning as I cook.  Also, notice the stove has a bottom drawer that is actually another oven that I can cook something like biscuits while something different cooks in the convection oven above.

It feels like my place now.  It is another of the changes that continue to affect, infect my life.

This past six months has been an unimaginable journey.  There have been lots of downs to it, and so few ups.  I have many, many friends to thank for their support.  If you have talked to me in the past six months, you know who you are, and to each of you I owe a great debt of thanks.  You have but to ask and I will be there for you.  Whatever you need, ask and I'll try my best to provide.   It can be a place to stay, moral support, a free meal, a shoulder to cry on.   You have but to ask.  I cannot possibly repay you in anyway for all you each have done for me, but I will try.