still in Georgia

[fabrisse]

I'm teleworking from one of my sister's computers. We're trying to deal with death certificate submissions for insurance, financial institutions, and the federal government -- all of which usually need to be presented in person -- via phone, the internet, or post, if necessary.

I haven't cried. I know at least one Texas relative is scandalized by the lack of tears at the funeral service, but, as classist as this sounds, we were brought up not to cry in front of the enlisted personnel. Our backs were straight even as our throats clutched when the piper played the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Going Home. My voice deepened while I read my necessarily brief eulogy (in some military cemeteries, the graveside service -- which isn't actually graveside -- can only be 15 minutes long. At Beaufort (pronounced BU-fert) National Cemetery, we had a full half hour. Between the full honors which take about ten minutes (especially because our honor guard hadn't practiced folding the flag) with the full 21 gun salute (7 guns shot 3 times) and the truncated Episcopal service performed by one of Sis's colleagues, I had 3 minutes maximum to speak.)

I linked my Dad's life to the Parable of the Talents. A conversation with siderea helped me find the framing device. I also selected the bible readings because Mom didn't have any ideas besides "Not the 23rd Psalm. Your Dad and I never liked it."

This post is "bitty," I know. Organizing my thoughts around Dad's death is difficult.

Comments

[goss]

Sending you good thoughts and strength. *hugs*

[fabrisse]

Appreciated and needed. Thank you.

How are things where you are? Any virus problems?

[goss]

We have about 80 cases so far, more than half of which came from people off a cruise ship a couple weeks ago. There's been 3 deaths so far. /o\

So it's definitely *here*. All schools have been closed ever since the first confirmed case, and starting this week the country is basically under lock down, except for essential personnel.

We are all avidly following what's happening in the U.S. and bracing for when the numbers inevitably start to rise here as well.

[fabrisse]

It sounds like your government took decisive action quickly. That should help. If you haven't read siderea and her posts on how to prepare for the pandemic, you should. I think you're probably way ahead on many of the things she mentions, but I always find something I missed when I read her posts.

[goss]

Oh! Thanks for the reminder. I did notice siderea's posts in passing, but hadn't taken a closer look. There's valuable information in the comments too. :)

[kathmandu]

Offering condolences.

I'm glad to hear from you; I was wondering how you were.

It sounds like you're coping really well. Losing a close family member tends to knock people for a loop, even without travel and telework and all this other stuff going on.

Best wishes to you and your sister and mother.

[neotoma]

I'm glad to hear from you; I know that has to be a really trying time for you, and you're always welcome to contact me if you need to.