For the record...

 The celebration of Butch's life was fantastic. It was indeed everything it should be. Two days after his death, I put together a slideshow, and the boys helped me get it ready for the big day. It worked like a charm. My friend and sister-in-law, Keri, put together the food, the serving of it, and the cleanup. Emily, Leo and Keri's daughter put together and had printed the memorial folder. The come-and-go theme worked well. The Depot was a great place to have it. I was able to see so many people! The weather was perfect. I do not recall even one snafu.

Today I mailed the last of the thank you cards, dropped off a deposit at the bank, and took a donation to the food bank. I followed up with getting a covid and flu shot, along with a quick trip to the grocery store. I was out of cottage cheese. For many of you who think I don't drive, I do now. I still do not like to drive, even more so when I am stressed, and I have had a fair amount of that in the year 2025. I am getting more and more comfortable behind the wheel. When Butch and I chose the house we live in, one of the main things I loved was that it was a mile from nearly everything, and walking a mile is something I can do with ease.

Yesterday I was bragging that I had a day without tears. Today in the grocery store, I ran into one of the guys with whom Butch played fast-pitch softball for many years. I shed a few.

Each day is a bit better.

I'm Back

 I am back and closer to being the same person I was ...hmmm, let's say last year.

Hindsight is 20/20, and I can look back and see this coming. It has to be a blessing for it to be that way. Can you imagine looking at a calendar that is marked with the date of your demise? Or the demise of your closest friend? We're better off not knowing.

I am adjusting. There is plenty to keep me busy because, right on schedule, I will be going to Texas, and that's only a couple of weeks away.

The dreaded paperwork is 99% completed. That truly is the part that gave me the most angst. The boys helped me through that, and I am lucky to have them.

I have many friends who have walked this path before me, and they have been helpful in every way. Actually, there have not been any surprises. The entire process has been as expected, difficult but doable. I feel better this week than last, and the plan is to feel better next week than this one. Eventually, finding my way through this new and different way of living.