A Trip None of Us Relish Taking

[ricoba]

Last Friday, the 27th, Cora (my wife) and I had just finished a lovely lunch sitting on the balcony of Parker's Lighthouse on the waterfront of Long Beach, CA, when we received a call from our son. Unfortunately, it was not a happy call.

He called to tell us that his Lola, Cora's 92 year old mom had just passed away. In fact, he had been the one with her when she just stopped breathing. He did all the right things, but it was hard on a 21 year old to face adulthood in such as in-your-face kind of tragedy.

Well, funeral arrangements have now been made and we will be heading out tomorrow on a long journey back to the Vancouver, BC area to be with our family to say our final good by's to Nanay (Filipino for mom).

Since there are 3 of us traveling from here (Cora, our daughter and myself) we have decided to drive up to Canada. We know it will be a long trip. It's not a trip that anyone wants to make, but all of us at sometime have to make.

For those of you who pray, can you put in a prayer or two for us as we go? For those who wish good thoughts and send warm wishes, can you do the same?

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[Passepartout]

Thanks for sharing, Rick. It's a rite of passage that nearly all of us will experience as we travel life's path. That doesn't make it any easier. You and your family will be in our thoughts. There's nothing quite as healing as a hug from a loved one, so here's a virtual one {{{HUGS}}}.

Drive carefully and come back soon. This is the way life's supposed to be.

Jim

 

[Fern Modena]

Drive carefully, please. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. I feel bad for Ben, but it is good that Nanay had the love of her grandson with her.

Cora's mom's spirit and love will live on in all of you.

{{{ HUGS }}}

Fern and Irene

 

[ginsun88]

Sending hugs and prayers to your family, Rick and Cora.

Nanay will always be with you in spirit. I know my mom does, as a butterfly!

God bless you all and travel safely,

Grace and family

 

[Karen G]

Praying for your safe travels and the Lord's peace to surround you.

 

[pjrose]

Sending good thoughts and hugs for your family. It must have been so hard for your son, but how nice for his grandmother that he was there for her.

{{HUGS}}

 

[GregT]

Rick,

Travel safe and I'm so sorry to hear this -- I'll send prayers and positive thoughts your way.

Best,

Greg

 

[scrapngen]

So sorry to hear your news. Be safe traveling and our prayers are with you and your (and her) family.

 

[heathpack]

Thinking of you and wishing you safe travel.

H

 

[Dori]

Rick, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Safe travels to you.

Dori

 

[joyzilli]

Hugs and prayers to your family....and safety on your trip.

 

[Kay H]

Have a safe trip and my condolences on the loss of Nanay. Congrats to your son for handling such a tough job so well.

 

[momeason]

I am sorry for your loss. My DH and I only have one parent left, my Mom, and she is not in good health. We understand your loss. Be careful and know that she is in a better place with no more struggles. I know you will all miss her.

Sherry

 

[SueDonJ]

Good thoughts are with you and your family as you journey home to send Cora's mom to her rest. Safe travels to all, and peace be with you in your grief.

 

[Timeshare Von]

I pray for a safe journey for you and your family. May Lola's life be remembered for all the wonderfulness she brought to the world as you celebrate her life!

 

[Jaybee]

Rick, and Cora, my prayers go with you, too, for safe travel, peace, and acceptance. It is so good that you will be there to support your son and d-i-l in this sad time.
May Nanay rest in peace. Healing hugs.... Jean

 

[Holly]

Rick, we went through the same thing last summer when my Mom passed. 30 miles from Yellowstone when we got the call. Headed back to Bozeman, got a flight, and spent the next 15 hours getting to McComb MS. My heart goes out to you and we are sending prayers your way.

 

[ricoba]

Thank you all for your kind wishes. It feels good to share this type of thing here on TUG.

Just an interesting note regarding travel. Since the funeral is in Canada I had to get a passport asap. Thankfully, there is a passport agency here in Los Angeles and I spent a couple of hours yesterday turning in the paperwork etc. I had expected to only get a passport card, but was told that by 11am today (about right now) I would have a passport book issued.

Well, this am the agency calls and said they didn't have a copy of my drivers license (though I had it yesterday and gave it to the clerk). So I was a bit worried, but the agent said simply fax or email it over and it would be OK. So I emailed a copy and called him back after a bit. He then called back and said yes, they had it now and there were no problems and my passport would be ready at 11am. Yeah! Way to go State Department! It's good to have great service from our federal employees when you need them the most.

Now, just about ready to leave for West LA and get the passport and then carry on up the road and see how far we get tonight.

Again, thanks for all your kind words and thoughts, I cried a bit when I read them to Cora. She is also appreciative for your thoughts and well wishes.

 

[falmouth3]

My condolences.

Sue

 

[Patri]

My prayers for your family. Especially give your son a hug. That was quite a responsibility on his shoulders. You all should be proud.

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

Be safe as you drive to celebrate her life.
Liz

 

[easyrider]

A prayer for your needs and a wish of good luck.