Preparations

Well, we've taken everything to the funeral hime and set it all up. It looks great...a lovely, warm tribute to my father's life.

I have created my "comfort kit" for the service. My trusty old leather backpack...beautifully travel-worn...will remain stashed in an office nook for emergencies. I have Ked's slipper socks, though I bought the most comfortable pair of Anne Klein shoes for my outfit. (This is how little I am a slave to fashion...I just had to go check in the shoes to see if "Anne" was spelled with or without an "e!") I'm taking my personal cd player and soothing cds (The Sundays, Loreena McKennitt, Jonatha Brook and The Story's The Angel in the House, Norah Jones' Come Away With Me, Dan Fogelberg & Tim Weisberg's Twin Sons of Different Mothers. No, I do not have an iPod or mp3 player. I'm such a traditionalist...I still have over 300 vinyl albums and a Pioneer direct drive turntable at home! It takes me a long time to warm up to new techonolgy so it'll probably be another 3 to 5 years before I step, musically, into the 21st century.

I have a notepad and writing implements to catch up with long-lost family members I want to restore contact with. I wish I had thought of printing up some 'calling cards' for that purpose but it didn't occur to me until last night. Oh well, The Demon Corporation, Wal-Mart, would have been open but I sure can't support them with my hard-earned dollars!

I have a soothing yet sprightly cologne (Estee Lauder's Pleasures...see, I really am traditional. I even have White Linen, which my Mom's mother used to wear.) for just a hint of scent. I have the lovely smoky quartz jewelry I bought for Mike and Jen's wedding. (Jen, if you read this, because I get a lot of hits from Pittsburgh, I really do love you and am soooo glad you are the one my son chose for his wife and vice versa! I know you're here in spirit and I hope you and the little one are doing fine! Can't wait to see you again! Love, Mom)

I have my digital camera to get pisture of me with people I love and miss and to photograph Dad's tribute pieces. I will not photograph my father in the casket, however. I have a shot of him from a few days before he died, when he was sleeping so soundly and peacefully one night that he was actually snoring slightly! That was such a comfort to me, his peace and contentment, that I wanted to immortalize the moment. That is the last photograph I want of Dad.

Time to get in the shower and prepare. Wish me luck, folks!

And deepest thanks to all who've offered condolences and support during this very difficult time. It has warmed my heart and meant a lot!