I got home on Friday from picking Abbie up from school (she missed the bus home, twice this week - UGH) and noticed I had missed a call from my dad. I didn't even listen for the message I just called right back - he shared with me some information that in the last 2 days has made a big difference for me.
You see in the State of Iowa they have a law that requires an autopsy in this kind of situation. The autopsy showed that one of EJ's carotid arteries was 85% (or was it more than that) closed off. It doesn't explain everything, but what it does is offer me a token of understanding between what happened and the EJ I knew. No one knows (that I am aware of anyway) why the artery was closed off - what kind of impact that it had overall, but for me it it offers the peace I hoped to find, but didn't think I would.
EJ's funeral was yesterday with a family rememberance the night before. I was unable to attend because of distance, but my heart was there with my family. I talked to my mom & my sister last night & they shared with me some of the events of the last 2 days. It sounds like it was a good gathering of those who loved EJ to offer their support to the family at such a difficult time.
A lot of special things have taken place since EJ's passing. Of which I only know a small amount of I'm sure.
In my searching I found this article which as been passed around the family & has offered comfort.
Several Hymns (below are 2 that are on my mind today) have also offered me a token peace.
EJ's parents received a copy of a letter from Governor Branstad of Iowa, that had been sent to EJs wife & children.EJ had worked on his campaign.
This article was posted online.
Then this morning I received a text from my sister with this picture (the benefits/comfort from being from a small town).
For me each thing like this has helped lift the sadness just a little. My faith in an eternal plan for us as individuals and families has helped even more. For this I am grateful. We love & miss you EJ! See you on the other side.
I saw this yesterday afternoon, wrote up a comment, then deleted it before posting ’cause it didn’t really get across what i meant.
ReplyDeleteThat evening, same thing.
This morning, i didn’t even get to the point of getting any words down.
So tonight i’ll just have to say you’re in my thoughts and that there’s more to say but i can’t figure out how to say it. That is all.