Death is Part of Life

Man, I would love to be able to post something cheerful, but bad news first. My mother-in-law did die a month ago, and I forgot to post here. After 25 years of marriage, Jean and I were very close. Then yesterday we had to put down our 16-year-old Pointer, Bessie. Although she'd been failing for quite a while, I never dreamt it would be as tough as it was. Coming so soon after Jean's death, it was a double whammy. My daughter Sarah is making an urn for Bessie's remains in her pottery class, and that will be comforting to have around. We still have two more dogs, since we haven't got a lick of sense.

Something cheerful: We're all going to Jekyl Island in two weeks for my little brother's wedding. He was married for 18 years before, raised his kids, and bailed on a troubled marriage held together by spit and chicken wire. His fiance is a real doll, and this wedding will be the family reunion we haven't had in a long time. Jekyl Island (not sure if I spelled that right) is off the coast of Georgia a bit south of better-known Hilton Head Island. My two kids fit in perfectly age-wise with his three daughters, resulting in 16, 17, 19, and two 20-year-old cousins. The three older girls are bringing their boyfriends, and my brother and I spent about half-an-hour yesterday trying to figure out proper sleeping arrangements. Too much! But life does go on.

CG