Appointments, documents and more ... Where's Ray Now?

January 2nd found me at Dad's lawyers, and making other phone calls for arrangements etc. Larny and I are slowly working our way through the mountains of paper and cupboards full of junk and getting rid of Dad's old clothes for donation.

Ray left Quartszite after the rig received it's annual wash and wax. He is stayed at the Fantasy Springs Casino for a couple of nights in Indio, and then started his journey north. He is making good time with getting up early, sleeping for a few hours at rest areas and then driving a little more and then stopping for the night. To say he is anxious to get home to me and help out is an understatement. His back is quite sore but he is not setting up the motorhome everyday just squeezing onto the bed without putting out the slides. Eating at fast food joints helps with his timing as well and no dishes! Can't wait for him to get home. Estimated arrival is Sunday afternoon. Of course forecast is for rain so the rig will be all dirty again but no snow or cold temps are in the forecast so it is good he is coming home now.

I have spent the time junking out more drawers, giving Larny extra dishes, pots and pans and cutlery to help her set up on her own with her husband Mark ... she tells me he has one fork and one plate at present. I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The rest will have to wait until the house is sold.

Saturday, I attended my Godfather, Geoff Eves Funeral here in Surrey. From the time I can remember, every Boxing Day we would always as a family go to Uncle Geoff's for a visit around noon. With Ray and I living out of town for most of our married lives, we still managed to see Geoff at least once a year. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. It was nice catching up with his 3 children, Pam, Phillip and Diane, who I have not seen since they were teenagers and now only a few years younger than myself. For some reason , most years they were never at Uncle Geoff's when we came to visit, either they had already been or they were coming later in the afternoon. I also reconnected with old neighbours from my childhood.

Geoff called Dad weekly and stopped in at least every 2-3 weeks on his way to his daughter Diane's for the past 10 years. Geoff's last visit with Dad was at the end of November. They must have had a good chin wag. Geoff, being Geoff, sent Larny out to run her errands and stayed to keep Dad company until she could get back. A week later Geoff himself ended up in hospital and died December 14th totally unexpectedly. When I told Dad that Geoff had passed away while he was still in Emergency, I think that helped Dad with his decision to "pull his own plug". But what I found out  at Geoff's service, was really astounding,  Geoff's ashes were interred on December 23rd around 11 am. Dad died at 10:30 am. that same morning. Both of Geoff's daughter's and I, believe that their Dad called to mine and now they are off sailing as they both loved the water. Geoff had been very concerned with Dad's declining health and shared his concerns with his children.

Uncle Geoff is now at peace with the love of his life, Aunt Valerie, who died many years ago and he never found another love as he missed her terribly. It was a lovely service showing how many lives he touched. He had a wonderful family of children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren who attended.

Inside the above pamphlet was a poem that really spoke to me, especially with my dad's passing.

Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift,

Of hope and strength and grace.

From someone who has made our world

A brighter, better place.

Its filled with moments, sweet and sad

With smiles and sometimes tears,

With friendships formed and good times shared.

And Laughter through the years.

A Life well lived is a legacy.

Of joy and pride and pleasure.

A living, lasting memory

Our grateful hearts will treasure.

It gave me strength to carry on for what I have to do to arrange for my Dad's service later this month. Ray will be home tomorrow afternoon. Cannot wait to have someone to hug me and share my grief and concerns. It has been a very long 2 weeks.