Not my best week ever

We got back from Gary's funeral late last night. It was a lovely service, filled with laughter along with the tears because that's who Gary was.

There were outrageous stories of Gary's pranks and plottings and lots of stories about his loyalty and generosity.

I took today off work because I just couldn't face the office today.

We're scattering Mike's ashes tomorrow. Danny arrived this morning and Shannon and Janet both got here tonight. Danny's not so sure he wants to wear the plaid flannel pants, but everyone else is. Rob's fighting it, but he'll wear the pants. It's not like anyone they know will see them on a rainy Wednesday morning on a mountain trail. I mean, really.

I bought a mini-urn so I can save a little bit o' Mike. It's just so hard to let go. I still can hear his voice and his crazy laugh.

I thought a lot over the weekend about what an influence Gary was on Mike's life. Here everyone was telling this ADHD kid that he had to focus or he's never get a good job or be a success, and all he had to do was look at Gary to know success isn't necessarily about the high-power job or the big paycheck.

Gary was surrounded by friends and he was happy. Life was about being with people he loved, laughing and playing. The rest was just stuff you had to do to get to the fun part.

I hope they're together now, planning a big party -- maybe a pig roast with all the trimmings.