Olivia jumped on a plane Monday after I gave her the news and endured a genuinely horrible set of flights/redirect flights from Duluth caused by summer storms, resulting in bilious turbulence and delays.
Lily arrived today, only after her own set of cancelled/rescheduled flights because of a hurricane up the eastern seaboard. (I think it was harder for her to get here than I know).
With Olivia and Lily and Alex, Chris had all his children here, all day, and I think this means everything to him.
Jo Ellen came early, followed shortly by Aunt Helen. They brought shared histories and memories that no one else can possibly appreciate. With the kids, they brought bedrock love.
Many friends have come over these last two days. So many good friends from far and wide. The house has been animated with conversation, food, and drink. Chris participated actively and then passively, finally took a 4 hour nap, but then joined us again in the evening.
More tomorrow, as folks are sort of spanning their visits out, to keep the bustle manageable.
The tumult has felt like a celebration, a validation of Chris's importance to people over the course of his life. And I am struck with wonder at it all. There's not much more that can be done now. But this feels right.
This made me cry, with sheer happiness. Your words make the rest of us feel grateful in the knowledge that Chris, in his final days, has you to share this precious journey with the world outside the cocoon of love you and his children, family and friends are providing....thank you, Rosemary
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