Bob & My Soul Sista

When Bob and Candice (aka My Soul Sista) came to the hospital in Portland, Maine, I was thrilled to have them at my side. They both came as emotional support, however, Bob is a professional mover and was going to pack up the farmhouse and Candice is a wonderfully supportive and positive friend - we've been best of friends for 17 years. And, they brought their 15 month old daughter, Lillie, as a lovely distraction. Of course, if you know me at all, you also know that I'm not good at being taken care of, so I think I caused them both a bit of grief. I had already informed my doctor and nurses that my "support group" had arrived and I needed to be discharged immediately. That was Tuesday morning, December 4th. We drove out to the house (about 30 miles to the west) and Bob surveyed the situation and started getting boxes from the barn and the convenience store nearby. Candice and I read and sent emails and began sorting in piles: pack for storage, send to Henderson, take to Rapid City and donate before leaving Cornish.

I knew we were emotionally drained when Candice had called to order pizza and began crying on the phone. That night and the next day were mostly a blur - we were getting on the plane at 9:00am on Thursday morning and had a LOT to do! Luckily, my big sister and Organizer Extraordinaire, Becky, had emailed us a list of things to get done. We would still be walking in circles without that darn list.

On Wednesday evening we had been delivered Troy's ashes. We decided to take him to dinner with us, just across the street. Even our waitress had heard of the accident and before we left had given me her name and phone number in case I needed anything while away or to call her upon my return. I was amazed that people who didn't even know me reached out to do what they could. Joe, the funeral home director in Cornish, had our house keys brought to him by the tow truck driver so he could go check on Handsome and make sure he was warm and had food. We had Sheriff in the car with us and the homeowners near the crash took him in and told me they would keep him until I returned. They even phoned me at the hospital to say they adored him and not to worry. Our landlord called as well to ask if there was absolutely anything he could do. Even the postmistress offered her support and sympathy upon recognizing my name.

Obviously, I don't know my long term plans but I know I will return to Cornish to gather my belongings and meet with the people there who touched my heart in those first few very difficult days. I may even stay in Maine...the people there were amazing and I felt so at home.

A special thank you to Bob and Candice, their children Mackenzie and Kale (who sent a care package and get well notes), baby Lillie, Dave and Dixie (Candice's parents who watched the older kids and whom I consider extra parents of my own). Without their love and kindness I don't know what I would have done. I love you all.

lco