Wish I could do more to help, Drew. My head is still pounding.

Happy birthday, vw!!

Happy anniversary, Barb!!

Hang in there, Drew.

Also, if you'd like a Mason to help with letting the Masonic/Shriner friends know, drop me an e-mail. My dad actually works for Supreme Council and I'm sure he'd find it an honor to help you out in this way.

ND, I'll second what Fred Pete said. Take some time to do something for yourself today.

I suck at caregiving. I completely suck at it. There is no shame in feeling uncomfortable and unhappy doing a job that is so brutally difficult, especially when it is your own mother. You guys are paying a CNA because it is a hard job that neither you nor your sister are trained to do. I'm very sorry that your first two days down there alone coincided with D.'s days off. I hope the part-time caregiver has arrived and has a good explanation of why she is so late. But hang in there, and take breaks. You're going to get one tomorrow, remember. Just focus on that.

ND, I just talked to my dad, and he's mortified that you got such a phone call. He'd be happy to help in any way that he can. He said if you'd like to call him, he'd be happy to call the local district commander to make sure the information gets distributed properly--so you don't have to do that. He'd also like to assure you that you guys did everything just fine, and that it's actually not your responsibility to communicate all of that. If you'd like to talk to my dad or have me have him call you, please e-mail me. Dad would really be more than happy to help with this. He feels pretty terrible that you were made to feel guilty during this time. That's the LAST thing the Masons should be doing right now...

The world needs to back off. It's Friday - why can't the hassles start their weekend early?

And ND, I think a call from the Supreme Council (or a member thereof) should set the guys straight. You shouldn't be harassed at this time.

and, having been out of the loop for a while, hugs and cuddles to all.

t hearts VW and her dad a lot

Honey, please consider taking this offer. It might take a little stress off of your shoulders, and that way it's all being handled by the Masons themselves. (And I don't see it as a punishment, which is something I know you don't want--I just think it might be a little less stressful.)

And ND, I think a call from the Supreme Council (or a member thereof) should set the guys straight. You shouldn't be harassed at this time.

I think Drew was right in his assessment that these guys are grieving a lot as well. I don't think Dad wants to set anyone straight...just make sure everyone has the information and that Drew doesn't have to take care of it.

vw, you're right, that's badly phrased ... I was just so impressed with the Supreme Council I couldn't resist.