It seems odd to be journaling on the day of my father-in-laws funeral, but I have a few free minutes. I'm sipping a cup of tea and the children are lazily getting dressed as Nicola and her mom are busy organizing all the food that has been brought to the house. Nicola has done remarkably well but was taken aback when she walked into the funeral home. Traditionally, most of her family (and most English for that matter) opt to cremate rather than have an open casket viewing. Her mom has been here long enough to do it the "American" way. So, Nicola had been prepared not to go into the room with the body but it was the first thing we saw as we entered the funeral home. She was overcome and I felt terrible for her. She now remains one of two sisters who are the backbone of the group while the other three are a mess....don't tell anyone I said that! It is just very obvious which sisters have spiritual maturity and the ones that lack it.

My mom and dad have come from Mississippi and we will spend the morning together with them and then all go to the funeral this afternoon. I am grateful to my in-laws for giving me Nicola and a host of extended family with enough material for a few decades of stories.

I miss North Carolina...and Goldsboro and my church and my puppies and my friends...ready to get home.

Final story....I sent everyone on my address book an email that my father in law had passed away....including my father-in-law. Oops!