Piles

If Ruth hadn’t had her accident, we’d start driving tonight to Florida for the winter.  We’d have spent all day today with David and his crew, and we’d be joined by Michael, Kate, and young Jackson James.  Things didn’t work out that way.  I’m still spending the day with the boys and their families, but tomorrow morning I’m flying to Florida.

I’ve been planning for this move, and the flight, for the past month.  I’ve been setting things aside that need to go with me.  Normally, when we drove, Ruth would be relocating a ton of stuff.  That’s how she rolled.

Last spring, prior to heading north, she took pictures of her closet, so she’d have a visual record of the things she left behind.  I hoped that would curtail the need to transfer so much.  She’d gotten better at it over the years, but I still thought we moved way too much.  I wish I was filling the car to the brim.  Funny what you miss.

I’ve been sorting and selecting the things I need to pack.  Normally, I’d take enough clothes for the drive, my computer, and the information I’ve collected thus far so I could file our 2022 tax return.  This year I’ve been collecting piles of paper.  You need a lot of documents to verify someone’s death.

I’ve got a pile for the State, a pile for the Feds, a pile for our attorney, and a pile for our accountant.  Then there’s the personal stuff.  It all adds up, and I’d rather have things I don’t need than to regret not having it.  That must have been how Ruth felt about her clothes, jewelry, craft supplies, and assorted must haves.

One of the piles I’m packing is the 43 sympathy cards and notes I’ve received over the past month.  I’m sure the three kids have similar piles.  I appreciate the messages of support.  Ruth handled that for us when we lost friends and family.  Now that falls to me, and I understand better how important it is.  We don’t want to be forgotten, and cards such as these are reminders that Ruth touched a lot of lives.

I’ve received phone calls, text messages, notes through Facebook and messenger, and face to face visits.  Some offer words of sympathy, some encouragement, and some include stories of how she helped others.  I’ve got a lot of hugs, pats on the back, and kisses on the cheek. Today’s high-tech world even says it’s OK to post emojis. All are welcome.

I can use a pile of each.