Thank you all, my dears. Yes, a funeral so soon seems hasty, and not everyone can be there, but in September we'll all be together (my side of the family) for my wedding and we've already pledged to remember him then in a joyful way.

I'm leaving for Seattle today- it's a long stretch, via Detroit. SRS, we'll be in Gig Harbor, where my stepmother brought my dad a few years ago in order to be closer to her family.

My wish for myself is to be calm and serene, acting thoughtfully and lovingly and not reacting to the inevitable family dynamics. Having my dear one with me is going to be a big help!

I'll be back in touch when I can. Meanwhile, once again I feel surrounded and held in loving Mudcat arms.

Allison