The Memorial Mass

The memorial mass for Rosie was Monday, January 20. It was at St. Sebastian's church in Dearborn Heights.

I don't care much for funerals or memorial services. I want nothing like that when I go. Go some place and have a party.

I did think the priest, Father Aaron, did a decent job. He told us that he had been a Chrysler engineer for 12 years before becoming a priest. He seemed to have some difficulty finding the right place in the readings book, but, all in all, he did OK.

Afterwards, during the luncheon, two older woman of the church approached me and were asking about Rosie. When I told them that I thought the priest did a decent job, the oldest one (she might even be older than I) said, "He's a little green."

He spoke a lot about loving each other. I think he's paying close attention to Pope Francis. That's OK, too.

Death

We've been dealing with death over the last several days. It is not a pleasant experience. At times sad. At times ghoulish.

In the hospital, the doctors essentially pronounced Rosie “brain dead.” They said her type of stroke is almost always fatal. She died this morning a bit before six. It was a blessing and we're happy she went “home” rather quickly. The doctors had said some patients with similar symptoms linger for months.

The hospital or the undertaker discovered that Rosie Was a “donor” of eyes and other useable parts. So, apparently, they will take her to the donor facility and, from there, back to the funeral home.

Julie's been dealing with Joanne, Rosie's “cousin” and with Greg, Rosie's Godson. So far they all seem to be on the same page with respect to “what happens next.”

Death makes you wonder about the afterlife. Does death just end it, or is there something more? One famous atheist said that the most exciting time of his life will be the first few minutes after dies. I guess it will be exciting. Today, Julie wondered if there was an “orientation.”

Not A Very Good Start to the Year

This morning Julie kept trying to get ahold of her friend, Rosie. She didn't answer her cell, her landline, or her text messages. Finally, we went over there. When we drove up we knew that something was wrong as her car was in the driveway, she hadn't been out of the house, and both screen doors were locked.

Fortunately, Rosie's next door neighbor, Joe Patrick, was home. He had a key to the screen doors. We went in and found Rosie on the living room floor. It looked as though she had fallen against the door and bruised her face. She was moving and breathing, but was otherwise unresponsive.

We decided not to try and move her and called 911. The paramedics made good time coming, especially considering that we've had about six inches of snow and all of the roads are snow-covered and slippery. Rosie seemed to be physically responsive, she squeezed the medics hand and straightened her leg in response to a request from one of the firemen, but I didn't hear her talk.

They took her to Oakwood Hospital. Julie just (1510) went to the hospital to see what she could find out.

Glenn and Dianne were supposed to come over tonight, but we cancelled that. I also decided to postpone my colonoscopy which was scheduled for Friday, as we're not sure what Rosie's situation will bring.