Good morning, everyone,
I had this date circled on my calendar since last Christmas. Today was to be the date that Kim and I would drive 9 hours to Sault Ste. Marie, where we would actually celebrate our first Christmas together. We've spent each since 2006 with our families. Unfortunately, our plans have changed, at least until Wednesday.
Kim's grandfather passed away late Wednesday night/early Thursday evening. He had plenty of health problems in his final year. He had been in the hospital since August. In the end, it was pneumonia that got him. He was 88 years old. He was an incredibly, genuine man. I'll miss him, too. Kim's family is taking it pretty hard. She has never really experienced the loss of a family member, so it will be tough for everyone, especially her.
Right now, she's in Cornwall. I will be joining her and her family tomorrow afternoon. It will be a difficult few days. I am an emotional person and not very good at funerals, but I can only hope to be strong enough for Kim. I'm not religious, but I know that her grandfather is now in a better place. He's no longer suffering and rejoicing with his family and friends that left him years ago.
Sorry for my absence the past few days. I have been incredibly busy with teaching and doing sports. Then, everything took a major turn on Wednesday, when I had expected the week to slow down, it picked up - and not for the better. Either way, Kim and I are still excited to drive to the Sault on Wednesday now. Until then, however, we have to focus on saying thank you to grandfather.
I hope you all have had a wonderful final full week before Christmas. The Season remains magical. Merry Christmas!