it was just right

It was inevitable but I dreaded making the trip to my dad's funeral. I see now that I mostly dreaded the not knowing when and how it would happen. Every time I wrote to him or talked to him on the phone, I wondered if it was the last letter, the last conversation -- and if it was good enough to be the last.

But as it usually goes, my dread was unfounded -- he left peacefully, our last conversation was just right and the last letter was good enough, too. And then as we emptied our sadness, we filled ourselves with memories, talking, eating, and laughing. It was all just right.

I stayed in a hotel and didn't rent a car so I had some time on my hands. As I was walking around I saw the stones -- so I kept walking all the way to the mall and bought a package of sharpies. I've never enjoyed sitting at a hotel desk so much. My new travel tip is to pack sharpies wherever you go.

My brother drove me right up to some beehives near the home place. You'll see these every few miles. It was so beautiful there.

From a place of deep gratitude, I thank you for your kind words and thoughts. And I wish you happy weekending. xo