Another sad day.......

Another day gone by.
Jeff called from the airport today. He's on his way to Qatar and he called back to his unit to let them know that he's still stuck there and he was given the Red Cross message about his Aunt Brenda passing. Evidently they didn't give the last name and he wasn't tracking. He was shocked when I told him who it was. I told him that he and Brenda were my only two friends who didn't quit on me when I left David....and that he needed to be careful because I couldn't lose my other friend.


The would should be totally stopping everywhere to notice that this wonderful person is no longer with us. It just seems that no one cares. And I know that's the way it is with all deaths....those who are affected by it want the world to stop....and those who aren't affected by it......well....they aren't. It makes sense, but it still hurts.
After the last few days of being on the phone with people from everywhere between Afghanistan, Hawaii, and The Pentagon I really needed to get out of the house today.
I walked around Hobby Lobby...bought nothing. Then Target...bought nothing there either. Then I went to Hastings to check out the knitting books. I knew they didn't have anything that I wanted.....but I just couldn't come home yet. I did find an interesting one on the history of the art of knitting on the clearance rack so I got that.
When I finally did come home I only felt worse. I have spent the last few days just wanting to curl up in my chair and cry and knit.....and that's pretty much what I've done. Jim has been wonderful......he's been trying to comfort me as best as he could....but I just wanted to be left alone with my yarn and my tears.
Then today things totally changed. I wanted to be out of the house....no matter where I went...just OUT. Then when I came home all I wanted was his arms around me. I told him that on the phone and he said that he wished he could be there to do that. He had to go to H&R Block about an IRS letter that we got and then he'd be home. I told him I was going to be in bed laying down. He came home, changed clothes and said that he was going to go in and 'stink up the bathroom' and then call his best friend in Maryland. I was so hurt. I just wanted him to hold me. I dozed in a out and he woke me up at 7:30 when he called Bill (he came home at 5:30) talking really loud. Then he went outside to talk. I got up and came in and just sat. Then Christopher and Sarah came over and he came in with us to talk. I could tell he'd had more than a couple of drinks....he was getting loud and chatty. I was trying to explain something and he interrupted for the umpteenth time and said "Let me interject something...." and I said that I'd rather he didn't. And that was the last I saw of him.

Here's what was emailed out about Brenda.

Sent: Mon, 25 Jun 2007 9:12 pm
Subject: Services for Brenda Miyamasu - please disseminate

Thursday, 28 June 2007, Viewing
1900-2100
(7:00-9:00pm)

Mullins and Thompson Funeral Home
186 Shelton Shop Road
Stafford, VA 22554
(540)659-7690

Friday, 29 June 2007, Funeral
1400-1500
(2:00-3:00pm)

Marine Memorial Chapel
Quantico Marine Corps Base
Quantico, VA

Take exit 150 (Triangle/Quantico) off of I-95 and turn towards Quantico Marine Corps Base. Adults must have a valid, government issued, photo i.d. (passport, drivers' license....) and proof of vehicle insurance to enter the base. Inform the gate guard that you are attending a funeral service for Brenda Miyamasu at the main chapel.

A map showing the location of the Marine Memorial Chapel can be found at: http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/activities/display.aspx?PID=1682&Section=BASEINFO

Approach the main gate on Joplin Road, which will become Fuller Road after you pass through the main gate. At the end of Fuller Road, turn right on Barnett Avenue. Barnett becomes Russell Road, stay to the right as you approach the traffic circle; the chapel will be on your right. Parking is located beyond the chapel.

Memorials
Flowers are great, but two causes that Brenda truly supported are breast cancer research and caring for our wounded soldiers. If you would like to continue her efforts, you may send donations in honor of Brenda to:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation
http://cms.komen.org/komen/Donations/WaystoDonate/index.htm?ssSourceNodeId=101&ssSourceSiteId=Komen

Wounded Warrior Project
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=247