Thanks to all

I wanted to thank all those who sent (or posted) a note of condolence, flowers or just said an extra prayer.

We laid Dorothy to rest at Raleigh Memorial Park on Thursday and along the way I learned some new things about my mother in law that I plan to gather together later (hint hint, you know who you are).

I also wanted to thank all those who were there and made it what it was. Funerals tend to be the big family gatherings that everyone makes it to and this was no exception. Ten children, an assortment of significant others, thirteen grand children, cousins not seen in ages, Dad's brother et al., neighbors and church members... There were times when I thought the house might explode. And with rare exception, it worked without a hitch.

There was an amazing gathering of people outside the house on Thursday afternoon where a small football toss between four of us in the cul-de-sac out front turned into an hours long marathon of monkey in the middle. At one point, we had about twenty people out there playing (with three monkeys) ages six to forty five, all of us sweating, chatting and carrying on along with a few casual onlookers (all of whom probably thought we were bonkers since it was at least 90 degrees and 90% humidity). It was the most interesting family experience I've ever had; something I'm going to remember for a long time to come.

We also had a terrific impromptu dinner on Friday for about 25 people. Danny's barbeque chicken was a huge hit (I'd asked that he make it on the way back from a round of frisbee golf... my kids have been raving about Uncle Danny's chicken ever since he came out here to stay with them two and a half years ago).

So once again, thanks to all.