Taking a Couple Weeks Off

 Hello Friends. I will be taking a couple weeks off from the blog, but I’ll be back before Christmas.

This morning (Thursday, Thanksgiving in the US), we had a visit from two police officers. They asked for me and I grew apprehensive. I knew what they were going to tell me. They’d had a call from the Montrose County (Colorado) Coroner. My brother Steve had passed away. Long story short, Steve (who had just turned 70 in September) had a stent implanted in his iliac artery last week. He had been fine and upbeat when we last talked on the weekend, and we had planned to talk today on Thanksgiving. Steve was found by his friend when Steve hadn’t answered his calls on Tuesday or Wednesday. We believe the cause was likely complications from the surgery. 

I don’t know yet what my plans are. Other than Steve and me, there were 2 cousins left in our generation, and we are all close (but not geographically). I don’t know if I’ll need to go out there. His home is in a remote little town in Colorado that’s a 4.5 hour drive from me in Utah, much of it through winding mountain roads. Or I could hop a short flight to Grand Junction and then drive 2 hours to his place. But my knee replacement surgery is scheduled for next Thursday and I won’t be driving for 2-4 weeks. Everyone official is off for the 4-day weekend, so I can’t even begin to deal with arrangements (or talk to my surgeon) until Monday. Nor do I want to, frankly.

In the meantime, I’m focusing solely on being grateful for my wonderful brother’s life. If there is an afterlife, I know he’s up there, reunited with his son W who passed a couple years ago. 

And I am grateful for my family and friends, including my internet friends. Thank you for the many friendships and kindnesses over the years.

Talk to you soon….

Cathy