I've just recently arrived home from attending the memorial services of the father of my children in Houston. He died suddenly and unexpectantly last Tuesday, January 28th.

I'm glad to be home.
I'm exhausted.
I'm sentimental.
I'm reflective.
I'm sad, so sad.
I'm happy (that my children are my children and that they do as they do).
I'm glad that I was introduced to the concept of "one day at a time" and that I live it, most days.
I'm warm because of all the hugs that I received yesterday morning from so many that were in my past, but are in my present now.
I'm hopeful that "war is over" because I want it and I hope others want it too.
I'm unforgiven, but that's "OK."
I'm alive.
I'm wanting a return to normalcy (whatever that is).
I'm excited about the impending birth of my third grandchild, LD.
I'm relieved that Katie & Dan and the kids arrived home safely.
I'm appreciative of my brother Ted and my sister Sherry who sat and talked with me this afternoon for hours just to make sure that "I" was going to be OK.
I'm blessed that I have my mother nearby to lend perspective to life and death at her age of 76.

I'm these and so many other things tonight. More than I can mention here. And although it will take time, probably a lifetime, to process all the events of the last few days in my heart and in my mind, I'm grateful that MaryAnn sent this to me:

Fear not that which is now,
Fear not that which is to come.
Life, Death and Being are as one,
It is a circle. There is no
beginning and no end.
For that which is the beginning
is the end of the other.
And that which is the end
is the beginning of the other.
Surely the lessons of life are
the wisdom of death.
Those who live in the knowledge
of what the circle truly is
have peace beyond measure.
-from the book Graces by June Cotner

Finally, for tonight (and always)...good night Jim...rest in peace.