January 28, 2026
As many of you know, Bruce’s dad passed away last week. Bruce had asked me to stay home and take care of Nox’s veterinary visit while he went went to say goodbye. Nox is getting shots to help her arthritis. We were expecting to get the check for the RV and wanted me to handle it. We didn’t expect his dad to pass away so soon after getting home.
With the visitation and the funeral times determined, Bruce had planned to leave on Thursday to come and get me. We were going to head back on Saturday to go the visitation on Sunday and the funeral on Monday.
The Wednesday night, we talked it through and decided Bruce should stay on Jekyll Island. The ice storm was heading our way and it wouldn’t be safe to drive for about a quarter of the way there. We discussed Bruce driving home on Thursday as planned and then we would drive to Jekyll Island on Friday. It is a ten-hour drive both ways. Bruce just didn’t feel up to it.
We were also hoping to get the check for the RV on Friday. That is another story that I will tell at a different time.
Nox needed one more shot on Friday before starting her monthly maintenance shots to help with her arthritis.
After discussing the options, we decided it would be best for me to stay home and for Bruce to stay on Jekyll Island.
Bruce did have to buy appropriate clothing and shoes to attend the visitation and funeral.
When Bruce went to the visitation, he sent me pictures of the photo boards, flowers, and a picture of the flowers on the coffin showing a profile of his dad. Bruce felt it would help me, and allow me to provide support for him across the miles.
Bruce and his family found comfort in each other’s company. The various family members cooked or prepared food for dinner and breakfast. They left their dad’s, grandfather’s, or great-grandfather’s chair empty. On the placemat, my sister-in-law placed a glass of his favorite drink, scotch and soda water, along with a burning candle. Bruce felt it was a beautiful gesture of remembrance.
I asked Bruce to bring back the pictures I gifted his parents and the quilt I made for his mother. I didn’t want them getting lost or sold as the estate is settled. My in-laws knew I wanted the artwork and quilt back when they were no longer with us.
Bruce said his goodbyes to his family on Monday night, loaded up the car, and left early on Tuesday. He arrived home at sunset. We held each other for a while and then he wanted to unload the car. Nox was sleeping on our bed when Bruce arrived home. When Bruce carried his suitcase into the bedroom, Nox woke up and realized he was home. Her tail was wagging so hard and she wanted Bruce to pick her up. Bruce was happy to pick up his excited little dog! Nox snuggled into Bruce’s arms.
Bruce’s welcome home was all he could wish for.
Blackberry Homestead 