magic day

Yesterday was so special that I had to write about it.  Plus so many people have said they are sorry  to see FTW ending...and so many things have happened since I "ended" that may be I'll continue...at least for a bit, to catch up on all that has been happening over the holidays.  But I have to start with yesterday.

I woke up yesterday, not wanting to do what we were going to do.  It was the day of Char's memorial.  I knew I would be emotional all day, wondered if my one pack of disposable tissues would be enough, and I got ready for the day.

Now the "magic" of the day started with getting dressed.  I have these terrible ed sores on my bottom that hurt terribly whenever I sit and so Ned has had me not wearing any pants because everything I put on hurts.  But he dressed me and there  was no pain.  There was no pain getting into the car or riding 2 hours to the memorial and there was no pain whatsoever during the 5 or so hours we were there.  As soon as we got home and I got out of my clothes, the pain was back.  I had talked with Char in the morning and asked her to help me get through the day...and I guess she did.  I've also has problems going to the bathroom many times during the day, but I only had to go twice and the handicapped bathroom was perfect.  Jeri and Marta helped me and things went perfectly.

At least one person (and many more) person was there from every one of the Pinata families.  Tom and Alice Nan drove up  from Santa Barbara.

Jeri and her godmother, Jeri

The "ceremony" was a series of people giving their memories.  I cried a little, but laughed a lot more.  Everybody was great, especially Ned (who talked about the pumpkin pies) and Eric (who brought lots of stuff to show and was just terrific).  Jeri read my comments and added her own.

When the "formal" part was over, there was visiting. One woman came and introduced herself as Lupe and said she had been one of Char's caregivers during her last days and she had heard so much about me that she wanted to meet me.  

It was so nice seeing all the gen 2 Pinata "kids" (many of whom are now grandparents).  I had a nice chat with one guy who seemed to know me quite well and I didn't have a clue who he was until someone pointed out that he was husband of one of the pinata people...last time I saw him he had hair!

Before we left, there was a picture taken of the pinata people who were still there...great photo.  Char was usually the one hold in the "who invited all these tacky people."  I got to do it this time.

I  realized what a healing event this was.  I still miss her terribly, but the pain that I have been dealing with since she died is much better.

There was clam dip at Dana's for the Pinata people, but after,, but Ned, Marta and I came home.