Leave Taking

July 14 - I got to the SLC airport in plenty of time only to discover that the check in lines were not moving.  Eventually someone called "All going to Denver move to the front."  That only moved me one closer... but it did help me to get to my gate on time, just in time.  It started a theme for the trip.

Security was interesting.  "Only touch your own bins," the guard sternly commands.  Well, the dude in front of me left and his bin wasn't moving through... An impatient xray technician told me to 'PUSH IT THOUGH."  Well, okay, make up your mind.  I've seen the YouTube videos where people haven't complied and now you are giving me mixed signals.  Just say'n.

They got their revenge and I suddenly had to go through the naked body scan - there was a sign that said it was optional - it was no longer an option for me.  I had no time to argue so I let them disrobe me with their machine.

As I left the scanner the TSA agent wanted to see my wrist.  I complied, obvi - but WTF?

I had time at Denver to lay on its floor and wait (a common theme with me and Denver).  The plane was late in leaving, didn't make up time in the air and I thought that I'd missed my flight.  However, that plane was late too. "We won't start boarding until 5:30", an agent informed me. 

Awesome - I found a bathroom.  Came back only to hear my name on the loud speaker telling me if I intended to go to Marsh Harbour I'd better hustle my butt.  I have it on the best authority that I wasn't in the bathroom for 30 minutes.  But I hustled my bustle and made that flight.

DH was waiting for me at Marsh Harbour .  We had konk for dinner at Snappas.  Delish.  I was starved as I apparently slept through lunch.  It was a busy, crazy, frustrating day, but I made it.

Uncle Don

Okay - if any of the cuz are reading this, look away now... I'm about to dis you.  But you are not surprised by that.  After all. when we sang "I'm a child of god"  before we closed the casket you referenced this side of the family - when you said "hum along or not".  Grandma Morning and Mum made sure that we atented enough 'church' so I (we) at least knew that much.  But again, I say, look away.

Uncle Don's Funeral was without doubt a mormon funeral.  The obit said 'short' and I"m thinking it was a joke I didn't get. 'sall good.  There was much 'mormonising' and all that.  I know I am flip, my mom and grandma are 'turning' but whatcha gonna do.  I got enough of jebus to last me a life time.  The funeral itself was a blah, blah, blah fest for me but...

But the dedication of the grave site... was totally AWESOME!!!

Uncle Don was in the military... he followed in the footsteps of The Major.  My grandpa that died before I was born.  Mum always called him The Major, and so do I.  Uncle Don was given the full military rites at his grave site and it was so cool.

It looked like something from TV.  Military people so perfunctory.  There was a 21 gun salute. Taps was played.  Cuz that had followed in his footsteps and were military explained to those of us that weren't what was happening and why.  It was full of symbolism and ritual and I was in awe.

In the writing of this I wonder why the funeral itself, also full of symbolism and ritual, didn't touch me but the honor of being soldier did.  Something I'll have to ponder.

He was an awesome man and a really terrific uncle.  Even after mum died he never stopped being part of our lives.

I love you Uncle Don -- you rock.

PS.  Tell Jebus that that is a good thing!!

Should be telling you...

'bout the bahamas...but I am not...

Death really needs to take a holliday.  At least it is three, right?

My Uncle Don died of complications due to kidney failure.  His funeral is tomorrow.

I have had enough of dead people this summer. Just say'n.

Bahamas eventually...just not now.