He is not far but rather with God and God is very near.

It was a very long, sad and exhausting week.  Bob's wake was Tuesday night from 5-8 and there were so many friends and family in attendance.  It was beautifully set up with all the picture boards and flowers surrounding the urn.  The slideshow was positioned at one end of the room and was played periodically throughout the evening.  Riley joined the family later in the night and he was very shy and timid.  We think he could sense the sadness that was surrounding the family and he kept his head on our shoulders and his arm around us.  My Aunt Sandy and Uncle Greg surprised us by showing up and it was so nice to see them along with my parents, Ben and Katie.  My dear friend Jenni and Paul showed up too since she has followed Bob's progress closely as her step Dad also had a stroke around the same time.  It was very sad and also quite surreal walking around the room talking to people and repeating the same things over and over again.  It left us utterly tired and yet unable to sleep when we finally hit the pillows.  

Wednesday brought us to Epiphany for the service and I hardly made it through my reading and I accidently skipped a few lines as I got choked up but otherwise the service was very nicely delivered and went smoothly.  The luncheon afterwards was greatly appreciated since we were worn out.  We spent a few hours at the bar afterwards with family and friends and then finally crashed at home to the quiet sound of a house that had previously been filled with the sounds of kids running around and Grandma playing with Riley.  

It is still shocking that Bob is gone and the tears are still running easily but the peace that comes from knowing where Bob is residing is calming.  It has been very weird to stop sleeping with our cell phones on the dresser and I am working up the nerve to give the charge nurse Adam one last call to thank him for his patience with my calls and all the love and support he showed to Bob.  

I am so very fortunate to work with such loving and understanding co-workers.  I was given 7 paid days off of work and a very nice card signed by everyone along with some gifts and cash.  It was so nice to know that my work friends were thinking of me, missing me and holding down the fort while I was away.  We have been gearing up for "Go LIVE" which started today (our new computer system SOFT) and I had been putting lots of extra hours to help prepare so when the news hit us I called and was relieved when I knew work could wait.  I am now back to the grind and putting in 10.5 hour days for the next few weeks but so far the system is very easy and we stumbled our way through day one rather gracefully.  The day went by so fast and I really appreciated all the hugs and well wishes upon my return.  

I also want to send out a special THANKS to Shirley, Sandy and Gregg, Ryan and Molly, Judy and Al, Vicki and Steve for the thoughtful and heartfelt sympathy cards.  They were all deeply regarded and a reminder of how truly blessed we are.  I will be working on a special scrapbook for all our memories shared with Bob from Derrick's childhood through the short time Riley got to spend to with him. 

We are appreciating and thanking God for everyday that is granted to us and squeezing Riley a little harder at night just like his Grandpa Bob did.  

Joey, Olivia, Mikenna and (can't hardly sit still for 20 seconds) Riley.