damont

Thinking about what I was up to last week... I hadn't planned on making a third trip north in June, not with gas prices the way they are and all. But I ran the numbers, decided I could afford it (if barely), and that the pluses of seeing people outweighed the cost. So on Monday the 16th I went to Ludus, then headed straight for Allentown from there. Tuesday was spent largely in New Jersey, at my Aunt Suzanne's funeral in Livingston (on the same street as the site for Mudthaw, for you East Kingdomers out there) and then the burial and reception in East Hanover.

For the second time in three months, I was going through neighborhoods where I'd spent my childhood. We didn't go into West Orange this time, though my parents had taken my nieces to see the old houses the day before (en route to the viewing). Still, it was an odd feeling. I want to write a post about it, but I'm not yet up to the task.

I feel very sorry for my three cousins who lost their mother; they lost their father a dozen years ago. All my other aunts and uncles are still alive, though they couldn't make the funeral. One of my other cousins did get there, as she lives not too far away. I also got to see my cousins' cousins (on their mother's side) that I hadn't seen since the last wedding in that family nearly 20 years ago. I was a bit surprised that we recognized each other! It was nice to see them again though the circumstances weren't the best.

I stayed for a light dinner after we got back to A-town, then I headed back towards the FedroSplat. I am thankful for seeing family despite the unhappy reason; I am also thankful that my parents hold family get-togethers for happier occasions, such as the one earlier this month.

Please hug your loved ones when you get the chance. Thanks.