Tomorrow we leave for Atlanta for my Uncle’s funeral. Peanut’s teacher was very understanding of our need to take her out of school. She that we didn’t even need to take any school work with us on the trip. She feels that Peanut can catch up when we return home. Thank God that she’s a good student and able to do things like that.

She’s going to take some books to read for the ride and I’ll surprise her with some math pages I’ve printed from some math sites for her! I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.

I feel really bad for my Hubby as he has to do all of the driving. He’s going to have to stop numerous times too as my Mom and Aunt are elderly and will need restroom stops along the way. He’s got a lot of patience but I’m sure he’s going to be very tired and drained after this trip.

Thank to to all who’ve posted their condolences here on my blog, in forums and in emails. That kindness goes a long way. It means that the blogging community has heart. I’m very grateful to you all.

We learned that my Uncle passed away a few hours after being taken off life support today. My cousins (his children) said the fight was too much for him and I can understand that. Machines were keeping him alive and that is not what he wanted, ever.

He is Lady Ali’s Godfather, my Uncle, my children’s Great Uncle, a man that I could ask advice of, a man my husband called Uncle and loved, he is loved… When my other Uncle passed in September it was a shock. He had just returned from a rehab facility so we thought he’d be moving on with his life.

With my Uncle now, it isn’t really a shock but still just as painful. I don’t think you can ever understand or expect to know what will happen when someone you love dies. There’s no rules for grieving.

My Mom is the oldest of six siblings. This is her second brother to pass in less than three months. She was caregiver for my Uncle Joe when he passed. For Uncle Jerome she was like a second mother to him. This is really hitting her hard. You see my grandmother was sick with Rhuematoid Arthritis and had mental health issues. So when Uncle Jerome was born, my Mom took care of him almost from birth.

She’s always had a place for him in her heart (as she does her other siblings) but this was a special bond. There’s a lot to the story that I may never write about. I know I can’t write about it tonight. I just want to remember him as my Uncle.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Before sickness and Peanut entered our lives Hubby and I went on a romantic weekend get away to St. Augustine. I was about 8 months pregnant, very big but feeling good. We just planned on a quite time away on the water, with some sightseeing and good food. All of that I could still handle.

St. Augustine is a gorgeous city. The history, shops and restaurants are great places to visit, learn something and enjoy some good food. There’s a lot to see and do and you can get carried away with the various tours and smaller parts of the city that there are to enjoy. I know we did but it was good exercise for me and the people were polite when they saw me coming their way.

St. Augustine has many art galleries, street artists, and musicians. The city is alive during the day but at night it rocks! St. Augustine Artwalk is a brand new way to see some of the city’s best artists, listen to music and get around the city with their trolley service – for free. If you’d rather drive, parking is free.

This event will begin on Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th. It will continue each First Friday of the month in 2008. What a great way to take in the art of Peter O’Neill for example, listen to some music, stop to get a bite to eat, get the trolley and head to another gallery. All of this is free (except for your dinner, but snacks will be served at the galleries).

I’m hoping to talk hubby into visiting St. Augustine next year for a First Friday Weekend Art Walk so we can relive some romance and enjoy some adult time alone.

When your family is going through a difficult time and you’re not close by, not even in the same state it can be even more stressful. There’s nothing like a touch, a hug, or a shoulder to let someone cry on.

But thank God for technology. We’ve been able to use cell phones (sparingly)and email which goes to Blackberry cell phones. One cousin is able to use her business clout to line up rooms with a corporate discount at a local hotel.

The non-immediate family of my Uncle all keeping in touch through emails and phone calls. We’re supporting each other and helping to make decisions about travel plans if the time comes. Imagine what all this would be like if it were years ago (1930′s or so, I’m not being real accurate here). We’d just get a telegram and have to pack up and leave if we could afford it. I’m sure that many people back then couldn’t and didn’t get to see family for years on end.

In this difficult time I’m blessed by many things: not only my family who loves and cares for each other, but for the ability to get word of important news to each other quickly and efficiently. Also having so many people I don’t even know in person (my Invisible Friends) praying, sending their love and kind words just makes things go a bit more smoothly.