Home again

Twelve of us met at Denny's for breakfast this morning before going our separate ways. We toasted Mike with coffee -- his favorite beverage, and my mother began referring to James, Christian and Justin as my boys. Welcome to the family, boys. Christian, who makes beautiful wooden pens, has begun to branch out and gave me a candleholder, which will grace our table for every holiday meal in remembrance of Mike.

Danny called to tell me he borrowed all his father's videotapes so he could watch and hear Mike's voice again.

"He panned the Grand Canyon for 30 minutes," he said of his father.

And when they went to Sea World, he taped the entire show and took about 30 seconds of the family.

Hearing Danny talk about it was hilarious. I know he talks about me with the same irreverence.

We got home this afternoon to find out little Paxten Mitchell died yesterday morning. I know how Amy feels as I try to think about anything but Michael's last breath. Paxten saw angels and Jesus before he died. I'm sure that's who came to fetch him home.

Being with Mike's friends helped me think about him being alive and healthy, but coming home where he died brings me back to the present.