I mentioned a few days ago that my dad was under hospice care. He died this morning and we're all just very glad he's finally at peace.
MM-related ... burials are expensive, dude. He wanted to be in a mausoleum so my mom, two siblings and I went to pick one today. The first one they showed us was $40k. Ho-lee shit. And we didn't even talk to the funeral home yet. My brother suggested that he, our sister and I start putting away $20 each every week or so into an account to be prepared for when we have to do this for our mom, which I thought was smart.
Tons of people showed up with food, and some people just had food delivered. Which was incredibly generous, but my Mom's got more than she knows what to do with, and we're betting there will be more in the coming days. So if you want to help out a friend who has lost someone, maybe call ahead to see if they have anything already. Or bring something a little atypical, like disposable plates or soda/water/beer.
MH has been so incredibly awesome through all of this. He helped with so many things when the rest of us were just too tired and sad to think straight. My mom practically tackled him to the ground with a hug when we left their house today.
In honor of my dad, go have some burgers and beers with the people you love best. Take your dog for a long walk. Go on a road trip to nowhere in particular. Don't take your job too seriously. Watch this video and laugh: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I am so sorry for your loss, MB. After so many years on TK & TN I feel like I "know" you more than a lot of the others and even then I really don't know what else to say besides that. Please take care of yourself. Sending you and your family lots of thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
And WHOA on $40K for the mausoleum. I guess I have no idea how much my dad's plot cost because the family bought it years ago.
Take care of yourself in the coming days. It's hard to know what to think or what to do. Don't feel like you need to be accountable for your feelings to anyone else. Make sure to eat and sleep.
I don't know you at all, but your post made me teary this morning--and made me want to cherish the time I have left with my parents. Love the "burgers and beer", the long walk w/ the dog, the trip to nowhere suggestions...you have an amazingly positive attitude, an attitude that others would be wise to share.
Thanks for keeping it real, for causing me to remember what's really important in life (and in death)...to maybe sweat the small stuff just a little less.
For you...hugs, T&P, burgers/beer, walks with the dog and a trip to nowhere. Cheers.
I am sorry that you have to go through this. I just wanted to say that the video you shared is one of my favorites and always makes me laugh. Your dad sounds like he had a great sense of adventure and a good sense of humor.