Oh, fuck, Drew. I'm so glad you were able to get a flight, and may he hang on until you get there. My love to you and yours.

What Plei said, for she is far more articulate than I am right now. Drew, you and your family are in my thoughts.

I asked her what the first part meant, and she said she was telling the doctors and Jesus to help my friend's daddy.

Awww. Sweet girl!

Thank you, everyone, for giving Drew so much love and support. He's in the air right now, but I know he is deeply grateful for everything.

He decided he didn't want me to come back with him today, so I am waiting to hear how things go this weekend. I may be on a flight tomorrow or Monday depending on the news. I know the meltdown will happen eventually--how could it not?--and I want to be there to hold my dearest love when he needs to be held.

In happier news, I am at Jon B. and FAQWife's beautiful Somerville house and will be heading over to dinner with the other localistas in a little bit. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.

I asked her what the first part meant, and she said she was telling the doctors and Jesus to help my friend's daddy.

sniff

Damn' allergies.

{{{Drew}}} all kinds of ~ma to you and your family.

{{Kristin}}

Drew, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Localistas, please add a few extra hugs for Kristin. And Kristin pass them along to Drew when you get back. I'm so sorry that your time off together was interrupted with such tragedy. Peace and strength wishes for both of you.

I'm so sorry Drew, and to you too Kristin. May your father and your family find peace.

They did indeed hug and comfort me and generally were as awesome as you would expect. I'm afraid I shortened the night unintentionally (my anxiety caused stomach issues), but it was so good seeing everyone.

I'm now getting ready for bed after watching an episode of Angel with Jon & FAQWife. Drew should be landing in San Diego any minute.

I am verklempt.

My mother died this morning. I'm sitting here bemused, looking for grief and trying not to fan the sparks of regret and melancholy into something artificially dramatic. ND is far more deserving of bitchma than I.

I don't remember the last time I actually heard her voice. I'm not sure if we traded direct communication anytime this century.

I've been in contact with my oldest sister the past couple of months, but I haven't communicated with my middle sister in a very long time either. Seeing them is my biggest dread about going back to Pennsylvania for the funeral. I don't have anything in common with them other than blood and twenty years of common life more than half my life ago. I don't want to deal with all that, I was content with the way my life was in regards to my blood family.

I'll probably be able to scrounge the money for a flight, if there's someone on the far end who can give me a ride from Pittsburgh to the rural wilds of Greene County. But, god, I don't want to go.

I hate admitting to my lack of proper filial devotion. But it's the truth, and coping with this will not be made easier by avoidance.