Today Was A Good Day

Today was the first time in 3 weeks that I didn't cry.  Not even once.  Even when talking about Catherine, no tears.  Maybe I'm turning a small corner in this grief journey?  I certainly hope so.  I'm tired of being a raw damn nerve at all times.

I spoke to her husband a few nights ago.  His journey is considerably more difficult, of course.  He is, thankfully, getting out of their apartment soon.  His boss is leaving the country for a few months, and he is going to housesit while he figures out what to do.  This is an amazing blessing.  He has been wonderfully supported by his employer during this time.  They have been very generous with him, giving him the space, time and help he needs during this time.

OH!  Fabulous news!  Thanks to the generosity of the people that her life touched, one of her favorite charities, Soup's On, received $800 in donations in her name.  She lived in downtown Indianapolis and went to church downtown.  As in every large metropolitan area, there is a large homeless and poverty stricken population in the area.  The Robert Park United Methodist Church provides a hot meal every single Sunday afternoon to anyone who needs it.  Catherine was very passionate about this cause and volunteered to serve meals.  She was especially concerned about the children and had noted that the church didn't have enough high chairs/boosters for the kids.  This $800 donated in her name, in unbelievable generosity, is going to purchase many high chairs and boosters for the church's Soup's On Sunday event.  She would be SO pleased.  She would be absolutely chuffed at how much money was donated in her name, but deep inside?  Thrilled.

Okay, on to my day......

One of my SO's college friends was in town on vacation (I live in a rather 'vacationy' place), so we went to the beach and met them for lunch.  Added fun?  I got to spend the day with my "bonus" daughter (it's complicated...but....my daughter moved to Texas with her baby to live with me 2 1/2 years ago, and brought her best friend.....last summer my kid moved back to Missouri, but the best friend stayed here in Texas....hence...."bonus" daughter).  We went to lunch with his college friends at a great hamburger joint at the beach and then they had to get on the road to avoid hideous rush hour traffic headed back home.  Then we headed to my HAPPY PLACE.

Good grief, I adore the beach
(fyi, that is SO's shoe....)

I was born in a hospital that sat on a beach, I was a competitive swimmer from the age of 4 to 18.  We owned a boat when I was growing up and I went water skiing every weekend.  I have moved around this country, always trying to be as close to the beach as I can be.  I live 20 minutes from the beach now.  This is my happy place.  My place of solace.  Where I can relax, let go and be comfortable.

As it is with many other things we shared, I was worried the beach would be a place of sadness for me.  Catherine and I shared an intense love of the beach and the ocean in general.  She was going to come here to visit me in September and we were going to borrow a friends RV and go camp at the beach for 5 days.  However, as soon as we got there, and I got into that water, I was so good.  I was happy.  I was comfortable.  I was at peace.  It was a great day.

Then I came home to find on my FB, a photo of the state of Michigan taken from outer space by one of the astronauts on the Space Station.  She is literally shoving herself in my face every time I turn around.

I love it.

(fyi, if you are in America - happy 4th of July.  Be happy to be American, but don't be a dumbass....no DUI's and don't blow your bits up.  Enjoy responsibly, please.  :))