The Hardest Week

It's so hard to believe that life just keeps moving on despite the tragedy one is going through. There was so much to do the week that Dad passed away. Xander had a doctors appointment and it was indeed an ACL tear as well as a meniscus tear so he was scheduled to have surgery on September 15. We tried to keep him as comfortable and as pain free as possible.

I had to visit the school to explain what we were going through as well as to make arrangements for Xander for the weeks he would miss of school. We spend most days down at Mom's cleaning, writing Dad's obituary, picking out his coffin (one of the saddest experiences of my life), picking out pictures to be displayed at his funeral, finalizing his grave site, and all the other little details that go into this kind of thing. We cried, we laughed, and we just tried to be there for each other. Aunt Peggy and her husband John arrived and she was a wonderful presence to have with us. She of course memoralized Dad's spot on the couch, ha ha.

The picture and note Mom put in Dad's coffin.

So many thoughtful friends dropped off all kinds of food and I have come to realize that that is indeed one of the most helpful things to do. It was so nice to just go grab something to eat rather than having to think about it or scrounge around for something. Ronnie Riggs, one of Dad's best friends, brought his delicious (and one of Dad's favorites!) lemom bundt cake.

We also tried to do a few normal things, to keep the grief at bay. David, Savannah, and I went to La Comedia Thursday night to see A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. It was hilarious, just what we needed.

Friday night Heidi and I attended the Springboro football game. Xander was able to hang out on the sidelines and at least be with his team (#57 with the crutches)