1) The temperature dropped 30 degrees since yesterday. The gentle humidity and the poignant fragrance of sweet olive have given way to the fresh briskness of the low forties. I remember days like this in March in my childhood, and I loved them.
2) Filling time before departing for the airport with thank-you notes to a few neighbors. The house has taken on that pre-travel air it always has before I leave for the airport: is everything packed, what else is there to do, did you remember, did I forget, what about this, what about that, is it time yet, WHY isn’t it time yet, etc. etc. etc.
3) I am very tired - we all are - and I hope and expect that being out of this house will provide some perspective and some clarity. What has been truly overwhelming is all the kindness and support from every quarter: Mother’s neighbors, my own friends and colleagues, and very especially from the church. Mother’s “six-word life story” - “Lost. Found. Saved by church family.” - told how central First Methodist was to her life. Everyone there has been present for us in every way.