I have been home for just over 24 hours now and find myself getting frustrated by the number of things that have either changed or broken in the 10 months Trish and I were away. No complaints, though, lots of things that broke were fixed without me even knowing there was an issue.
It just makes relaxing and preparing for this weekend slightly more difficult. I think I am at least as OCD as the nurse that took care of Trish (and us) on the day she died. He made sure that everything in the room was perfect. We try to be prepared in the same way when we have guests in our home and I don't want to let Trish down.
The Mom's and my Dad made arrangements at the funeral home on Monday for me while my brother and I were still driving home from Baltimore. They also met with the cemetery. I went there today to sign the papers and make the payments. My suit pants went missing in the 10 months I was gone, I suspect I'll find them eventually, but to make sure I am not naked this weekend (that scared a lot of you) I went to Syms to buy a suit today and they hemmed it while I waited.
Thursday I will meet with Father Jeff at St. Max to complete the plan for Mass. For those who attended our wedding, you'll remember that the clergy on the altar out numbered the wedding party. While we did invite Fr. Paul from St. Bart's to concelebrate, he has a parish renewal retreat this weekend and will likely not be able to attend. Fr. Paul married us and baptized both our boys. A dear family friend who was not a deacon at the time of our wedding, but is currently, Bill Cresswell, will be serving at the Mass. Much like our wedding, where we served as our own Eucharistic Ministers, we will personalize the Mass and involve family and friends.
Our son, Matt has prepared a music CD of songs that are important to each of us and our relationship to Trish. The music will be played softly during the wake. Andy would like to speak about his Mom at the Mass. The Mom's and Trish's sister Kath, went shopping today for clothes for Trish and will go to the florist tomorrow. It's been a busy week.
Kath told me today that an old friend -- "from the old neighborhood" -- is driving in from Colorado to be with us this weekend. I am getting emails and phone calls from as far away as Germany, where they will miss their Birkenstocks for cookies exchange program.
We continue to root for our friends at Hopkins too. Those who have made it home and hope to not be back, those who struggle to have the chance that Trish had regardless of the cost and those who simply do not know what tomorrow will bring as they inch a day closer to breaking our 10 month record of hospital care.
We have heard from many who will not be able to make it this weekend. If you are sitting on the fence and can be here, please do. Whether it is the Mass on Saturday or the wake on Friday, we would love to see you. After the service at the cemetery, everyone is invited back to our house, please feel free to bring a change of clothes so you can be comfortable -- Trish would insist.
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1 comment:
Dear Chip,
You amaze me. You are the epitome of strength and courage. I do not know how you are managing to keep it all together. You are doing an incredible job staying strong and fit for your boys, but most importantly for yourself. I admire you and your devotion. I am sure you are looking to the Lord for your strength and guidance. My friends and family are keeping you in their prayers, as Hans and I are, too. Keep up the great job.
My friend Beth who came up with me in the spring sends her love and is praying for you and your family, too.
Love,
Susan Lerdo
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