cabenson | Saying Hello Again While Saying Goodbye

I want to start by thanking all of you for your wonderful words, thoughts, and prayers in response to my last post. Josh's death affected me more than I thought it could, and your comments were greatly appreciated. I love you all.

I left early this morning and (with my PT's approval) drove up to the funeral. There is something about a solitary drive on an overcast autumn morning that automatically makes me think of "home". I'm sure it has something to do with the many times we took that route to my grandparent and then back home, and the many times I drove home for the weekends while I was in school.

I said goodbye to my boy and then I joined his family in celebration of the things that made Josh...Josh. Memories really are the threads that we use to weave this fabric we call life. Sometimes it becomes necessary to wrap ourselves in that cloth to truly appreciate the ones we love. My friend and I, while saddened at the event that reunited us, swore that Josh's death would be the catalyst for reconnecting what was once a treasured friendship. As I was reminded today, regardless of the amount of time we spend apart, we should never underestimate the impact we have made in the lives of our friends and loved ones. And we should take every opportunity to tell others of the impact they have made in out own lives. So I thank you all for being a part of my existence, whether it be in real life or cyberworld.

My back survived the drive with just a little irritation, so I am off to rest and watch my Buckeyes beat up on Illinois.