Home Again
I got in from the funeral in Missouri last night, but was too tired to post. The trip was about 320 miles each way, with driving back and forth between two small towns on Highway 50 while I was there. As much as I cringe at the thought of climbing behind the wheel again, I still have to work tonight.
My thoughts are still pretty jumbled up about the whole situation. I got to visit with cousins, aunts, uncles, second cousins, and even third cousins that I haven’t seen for years. We all just wish it could have been for a happy occasion instead of a funeral for my younger cousin.
Moneywise, I did the trip for only about $230 including gas and motel expenses. The desk clerk didn’t mention my room had a refrigerator and microwave, so I am really wishing I had brought the cooler along with some food and drinks. It wouldn’t have cut much out of the expenses, but I could have brought some “comfort food” along with me.
On the feelings side, I am very glad I made the trip and got the opportunity to reconnect with my family. My aunt brought out old pictures from when we were little kids, and they brought back fond memories of playing with my cousins during the summer at my grandparents’ farm. That’s the way I’ll always remember Shelley: my younger vivacious cousin that I had so much fun with when my parents made the drive to visit.
There were a lot of tears, a lot of hugs, and a lot of memories.
I’d like to thank my two guest posters for helping me out on short notice, and all of y’all readers for your kind words of sympathy.