A dead ringer

The street festival, Bele Chere, is this weekend. I had to work tonight, but Rob and my boss, Bruce, didn't, so they went off to play. I guess they hung out for about an hour before Rob struck out on his own. They ran into a bunch of people we know.

Once Rob was on his own, he came across a young man who's a dead ringer for Mike. I've seen him a few times. Same height, weight, scraggly beard and unruly hair. I stopped him once to tell him how much he looked like my son. I think he was a little surprised to find someone who thought he's incredibly cute.

Rob went on to a musical performance where the artist sang a song about a father wondering if he has done enough for his son. It really touched him deeply. I know he wonders sometimes if he did enough for Mike, but he helped every time he knew Mike needed something. He was there through the worst of it, and so proud of Mike when he sobered up and helped other people.

I believe Mike has a way of telling us we did OK by him and that's he's happy with us. That was the message Rob got tonight.

Danny and Jennifer arrived late tonight with Meghan and Trey. Lauren had to work and Peyton had a thing with the youth group, so I get to dress however I want without being harassed. Meghan will let things slide because she loves the jewelry I make.

Trey had us all laughing when he started playing a little flute I have in the toybox We all heard this hideous noise and when we looked over, he was playing the damn thing with his nose. I told him it's his now. He takes it home.

It's good to have Danny and his sense of humor here. It's not exactly like Mike's, but it makes me laugh just as hard. I'm so glad he's here. I don't want to suffoate him, but I do want to hold him close and appreciate him every moment I can. He's a very funny man. It's hard to escape the twisted sense of humor in my family.

I'm so glad they're here.