I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost a wonderful 24 year old young man in our family a few months ago. I still can't believe he's gone. I prayed out loud at Christmas dinner and completely fell apart the moment I started talking.
I am so sorry for your loss. There are people out there that we hold as close siblings, regardless of the circumstances of birth. It's horrible to lose someone that close to you.
The memorial is on Monday and it looks like Mom and I will be flying out on Thursday and staying for a week. The coroner released the names last night so it feels a bit more real now. Lots of mixed emotions about this trip; Iowa will always be "home" and there are things that I am looking forward to being able to enjoy but I also feel like I shouldn't be excited about the little things that I want to do.
I get to spend tomorrow packing; I haven't had to use my winter clothes for 4+ years so I need to find it all so that I don't freeze when I get off the plane in Des Moines. I no longer own proper winter boots so my poor little toes are going to hate me.