We drove to Virginia the Saturday before Thanksgiving, expecting to stay only one week, but as life would take its twists, turns, peaks and valleys, I ended up staying an additional week.

Sean was asked to sing and play mandolin for a friend’s wedding on Sunday. So we spent a couple days in the mountains. It was a beautiful wedding and love story that finally came together after many years in the making. We saw several friends that I hadn’t seen since mine and Sean’s wedding day, twenty five years ago.

After the wedding we drove to northern Virginia. We stayed at my parent’s house which has plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable. It was so nice to have this extended time with both Mom and Dad. Mornings were spent by the fire drinking hot coffee.

We hosted other friends and more family that arrived during the week. Just listening to the chatter and giggles of cousins playing and creating new memories while we reminisced past holidays and gatherings took the edge off the heavy sadness I was feeling. I enjoyed cooking meals for the family during the two weeks, and ate way too much comfort food!  I am anxious to get back to my workout routine next week.

I had a cold come on strong the day we left Georgia and unfortunately it decided to stay with me the whole time. Thankfully it didn’t take me down, but was just uncomfortable and I lived with a box of tissues at my side.

Since the girls are homeschooled, we spent several days at the public library so the could get their lessons done with public WiFi.

I stayed the additional week, as we waited for the date to arrive to celebrate Jim’s life together. Hundreds of people came from all over to laugh and cry. We shared stories of our times together and talked about Jim’s life. One friend even flew in from Uruguay to make it to the ceremony. The service ended with Amazing Grace and Danny Boy billowing from bagpipes. It was an emotional day to say the least.

As soon as the reception was over. My three girls and I jumped into our minivan and hit 95 south. (Sean was going to Michigan the next day with his mom and brother for another service on Saturday) Hoping to get at least 4-5 hours of driving in by midnight. It really helps having children that can drive now, Baylie split the driving time with me. Shortly after midnight, we rolled into the little roadside motel that I had reserved online. A nice clean room, with comfortable mattresses and soft sheets, provided just what we needed.

After a few hours of rest we filled our coffee cups and hit the road once again. Next stop, Charleston South Carolina. The wedding day had finally arrived for Mike and Keri. I met them on St Patrick’s day in Savannah this year when Sean’s band, “In for a Penny” was playing on River Street. After the show, we stuck together for the day then we continued our connection on Facebook. A few months later they asked if I would photograph their wedding in Charleston. Of course, I was honored to!

Turning into the plantation, the drive meandered under a canopy of  hundreds of live oak trees planted perfectly so many years ago.  Romance dripped from the spanish moss that waved gently in the cool southern breeze.

Words, rings, kisses were exchanged and a celebration carried on. After the cake was cut and bouquet was thrown it was time for me to continue the drive south and return to Tybee.

I had now been away from my little island for two weeks. I missed my girlfriends like something crazy and was ready to be back with them at our favorite hangouts. I was ready to not be driving, cooking, cleaning, crying or wiping my nose. The girls and I were a little stir crazy from being in the car so much, we got the giggles a few times and just couldn’t stop laughing. I had Baylie drop me off at the Sandbar where Brad, Henny and Todd were throwing down an old fashioned Butterworth revival.

I had only stepped one foot inside the threshold where I was met with hugs and warm embraces from so many sweet souls. Each offering condolences and expressions of love. I felt the stress that I had been carrying for days begin to roll off my shoulders and fall on the floor. It felt so good to be home.

The next morning, I woke up to find a love basket on my porch from my dear friend Erin. She left a note saying she did not want me to come home to an empty refrigerator. Overflowing with fruit, soup, beer, coffee and treats. I felt her friendship and love wrap their arms around me.

I had to get to the post office by noon, to collect the pile of slick catalogs and sales flyers that went straight into the recycling bin. The girls and I joked saying “You know you live on Tybee when…you have to schedule an extra 30 minutes to check the mail because of all the people you will see and stop and talk to” Again I was met with greetings and condolences from other islanders including our postmaster.

Being surrounding by friends and family sure does help us get through the rough times. Thank you for all of the notes, messages and visitors we’ve received during our time of grieving.