Stephanie, did my friend ever get in touch with you about Moldova? Do you still need someone?

no and yes.

Eta: but there is no huge rush.

In the interim, Tim called, and after he told me how his mom was doing (basically the same; no marked decline, but no improvement), he said "I miss you." So I started wailing. And then he asked, "Do you want me to come home?" And I told him that I miss him, too, but I would never ask him to come home right now, that he would have to decide whether it was a good time for him to do so, since he's been at the house and knows his mom's condition.

He said he'd check with his brother who was also there, and see how his dad is, and call me back.

Then my mom called, and I wailed to her for a while (it was only last summer that my stepdad's father died unexpectedly, so she can identify). Then Tim called back and said that his brother would spend the night, and he was going to come home and sleep here.

SO HAPPY.

So I ran to the grocery store really quickly (the dogs gotta eat no matter what) and stopped on the way back at the Indian place for matar paneer. And now he's home and in the shower, and I am SO glad.

Plus, he honestly needs a full night's sleep in his own bed. He hasn't slept at home since Thursday, and probably hasn't slept more than 3-4 hours at any one time since then.

Yeah, even though it's something you need, it really does seem like he needs a break too. Having a night away will help strengthen him for the next couple days.

I'm glad you two will be with each other tonight.

I am, too. My college roommate's mom died at home, with hospice care, and L was always there, and the moments she could leave, just to walk the dog with us around the block, or to go grab a dinner out, were hugely needed.

It's immense.

Plus, he honestly needs a full night's sleep in his own bed. He hasn't slept at home since Thursday, and probably hasn't slept more than 3-4 hours at any one time since then.

and he needs someone who is focused on him and a safe space to break down if he needs that.

I'm glad for both of you, Steph. I know you feel like you need him right now, and I'm sure he needs you too.

That's great , Steph

Teppy, I'm glad you will both be getting a better night's sleep tonight.

You want me to e-mail you my address?

Yes, Seska, if you do, then I have a prayer of actually getting this posted on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I am so glad, Teppy! I am sure he will sleep better next to you.

Thinking of you and the Boy, Teppy. (And I can relate to the conflict over feeling selfish and not wanting to inflict your own needs on someone who has far too much else going on.)

For the shorter people among us, the shoulder strap on those tends to dig into the neck and chin rather than going across the shoulder.

I've been meaning to get something like this to help with that. Car journeys are uncomfortable for me anyway - this would help with one problem there! But I always, always wear a seatbelt. Back or front seat. I've had a couple of small accidents that could have been major ones without a seatbelt.

Insent, Andi.