i'll be gone for a few days

Thank you for all of the beautiful comments left regarding my Uncle Bill. At the risk of sounding corny, the words that I wrote about the man do not even adequately capture the greatness of the man. He truly was one like no other and he will be deeply missed.

I'll be flying out in just a few hours to rejoin my family in South Carolina. (Yowzer, I'm having a panic attack. Darn that they only have 'commuter' planes in to GSP. What the heck happened to the BIG planes on American?) I won't be back until late Monday night and as such, I will have to push back the announcement of a winner for the block set until at least Tuesday. That gives people two extra days to participate in the contest, if they haven't already. (I should probably mention that my small blue bracelet supply is gone. I do still have some small greens - and a lot of small pinks - but the little blues went fast! I promise to order more of those next time. Oh yes. There will be a next time.)

Charlie, the remarkable man that he is - will be home alone with the children, while I am gone. In spite of that, on Sunday afternoon he will, quite possibly, be making his first television debut. The show that he will be participating in doesn't air until January. And that's all I want to say about that. (Except, think ABC.)

Yesterday was tough for me. Between trying to function at work - and field phone calls from various family members - and summarize some thoughts on my Uncle Bill - and coordinate last minute cross-country travel plans, I was feeling a little overwhelmed.

Early in the morning, soon after I received the news, my sweet children were holding my hands and rubbing my back while I tried to suppress tears. They were so concerned for my well being. "What is wrong, Mommy?" they innocently asked. "Why are you crying?"

I told them that Uncle Bill had gone to live with God and they all stood quietly, thinking about the implications of this. Since they lost their beloved dog, Molly, just last year, they vaguely understand what it means when something goes to live with God.

William told me that he was Uncle Bill's angel - which is entirely true - because Uncle Bill even said so, himself. Elizabeth told me that just like Molly, Uncle Bill will always be in our hearts and if we just close our eyes, we can see him any time we want. She then shut her eyes tightly and said, "Hi Uncle Bill! It's me, Elizabeth. I LOVE YOU!"

This made me smile through my tears and Carolyn - who had been studying my face intently the whole time sensed that the mood had lightened. That's when she placed her hand on my cheek and softly whispered, "Mommy, you've got a BIG boogie in your nose. Can I get it for you?"

Laughter. It truly is the best medicine.

And no one serves it up as well as children.