I'm finally back from the road, decompressing, and getting back
into the swing of work. I've pretty much given up on trying to post more pictures here, so I uploaded them all to a
service called Shutterfly. You should be able to view the pictures here and here
Meanwhile, I'm not really ready to start discussing the whole mediation thing. Suffice it to say, it was a nightmare.
It WAS a very nice to visit with my mom, and my daughter was there for a day, too. So it wasn't a total disaster.
Dinner's
almost done. I should go see to it.
--Scene--
Yesterday was one of those days that you MIGHT wish on your worst enemy,
but you'd have to think about it.
The day was spent in the lawyers office negotiating a settlement in a wrongful
death suit for my sister and nephew. I won't bore you with the gruesom details, but suffice it to say it was a perfect
example of why people don't like lawyers, insurance companies, and particularly insurance company lawyers. Other than
the day of Meg and Schuyler's funeral, I can't remember a more emotionally or physically draining day.
Today, we have to work out the disbursement in such a way that everyone feels they are at best not
ignored. It'll never be enough, and Meg and Schuyler aren't coming back. So we'll be left with a number posted
to a bank account. Somehow, it all rings a little hollow.
We visited the cemetary today. The number of family members buried together is getting a little
daunting.
William and Josaphine Patton
Gladys (Hartie) and Ralph (Pat) Patton
Tom and Peggy Patton
Lillian Patton
Don Patton
Meg Patton
Schuyler Wood
Mary Patton
And I'm sure I'm leaving out some. Walking among the gravesites today was one of those "putting
your own mortality in perspective" moments. I'd rather not dwell on it at this point.
I'm happy to be here, and glad I was able to be at the mediation yesterday .. for all the frustration
and pain and angst it entailed. But I'm also looking very much forward to starting back to the south on Friday.
I'm ready to be home.
--Scene--
