Etc.

I actually have a couple deadlines this week, so no time for a coherent post. Quick notes/thoughts:

-Jrex comes home on Thursday for a couple weeks. No change in FIL, he's still not responsive, but the family is waiting a couple more weeks before making any big decisions. Mom K is calmer and even starting to talk about what to do after Dad dies. Since visitors don't affect Dad anymore, they've been allowing people to come by. Jrex has been surprised how many people have wanted to pay their respects, not just for Mom's sake, but for Dad's. Apparently there's a 15-year old girl in the church who really loves him and it's mutual. She came by with a teddy bear and balloons. A pharmacist Dad's known for years stopped by and had tears in his eyes. Jrex has been amazed and touched by how deeply the people in the church care for both Mom and Dad. The pastor and his wife have visited every single day.

-Family reunion was in Milwaulkee this past weekend. I didn't get to go, but I did call one of my aunts, who then passed the phone to three of my other aunts who were in the car with her. Made me miss them even more.

-Today is my birthday and I thought I'd be really depressed without Jrex. I am sad, but he sent a card that arrived last night. Aunt Bird and OTRmama also sent cards. So, this morning I did a birthday breakfast before work and opened my cards. I felt very loved. I'm supposed to go out with coworkers today for drinks (we're all swamped though, so I don't think it will actually happen). Then, tonight, Smart Girl is taking me out to a fondue place. She's bringing wine and we'll have a great time. I've wanted to do fondue since we moved here, but Jrex isn't into it, so not having him here is working out fine! (ha--believe that and I'll sell you a bridge in NYC.)