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.