What A Week

This past week has been an emotional one. Jeff's step dad had been placed in a nursing home, Dr advised his brother not to take him back home, he needed around the clock care. After a couple of days there, fluid had collected in his lungs, Scott (brother) had been told they didn't Nelson (step dad) out of bed because he was so weak, which allowed the fluid to collect. I guess I will reserved judgement on the correct care given to Nelson. Anyway, Nelson made another trip back to the hospital. Dr suggested a consult with Hospice to see if they were a better option for Nelson. Scott had a really tough time dealing with that option, he knew that meant he was giving up on Nelson. Well, Nelson being Nelson, made the decision himself. He died in the hospital on Good Friday. With Holy Days, his funeral was set for Wed. Scott not having been confirmed into the Catholic Church had asked Jeff and I plan the Mass (no pressure there!) A wonderful woman from the church (Corpus Christi) helped us plan the Mass (because we really didn't know what we were doing either)

I don't think any of us really knew what to expect the day of the burial. The viewing had gone really well for everyone, it was long and tiring, but not so emotional. I think once the coffin lid is closed, the emotions change. You know you will not see that person again (at least on earth). A sadness takes over, you know you don't that person to suffer, and suffer Nelson did. He was an extremely smart person, the last few years his body and mind were giving out. He eventually had to rely on a wheelchair and thoughts and words just couldn't get processed. Would we want him back - no, the last years weren't Nelson.

Jeff was the step son, Scott is Jeff's half brother and Michael is a step brother to Jeff. But we never used the words step or half. They were brothers - Scott is 39, Michael is 56 and mentally handicapped. Michael understood what was going on and I think processed everything as much as he could. Scott, who moved back in to take care of his dad, took it extremely hard. Jeff seemed to do well through the service but so emotionally drained afterwards.

It was Ramble Day and Jeff decided not to ride with the Cows. After reading Craig's blog, I think he made the right decision. He just wanted to get out on the open roads and clear his mind. He said he road about 19 miles, not the numbers he would have ridden with the cows, but 19 miles of his own thoughts. As Coach Troy says, sometimes you have to slow down to ride faster. Jeff would have blown up mentally on the Ramble - for once (just kidding) he made the right decision.

Well weather permitting, it will be back to business this weekend - lots of open roads and a guy with a bike needing to ride.