A funk has fallen over us

Last week was expected to be a more, oh, let me see, "funky" week due it being the anniversary week of my son's death and his birthday/funeral service. Thanks to my thoughtful son and caring friends keeping things busy, something to do every day to avoid wallowing, it was a good week. Many people sent messages of remembrance and consolation, sharing their own memories of Timmy with me, or even mailed Justin and me a card. Always a lovely touch.

Today I attended a meeting at The Club, the monthly one of a politically-themed group I have joined. As part of the meeting, announcements were made and one lady stood to report that a man many of us knew had passed away on vacation the day before. When she said his name, I gasped and my hands went up to my face. Orien is on our trivia team and we'd just played on Wednesday night. The next day this group of four from our team were going to the British Virgin Islands on a boating trip. 

From initial reports and from what the newspaper from BVI tells us, Orien and his dear wife, Jacque, had jumped from a catamaran and were swimming to shore. When she got there, he was not with her...More details will be forthcoming but it's horrifying to think of what happened. He is in his late 70's and she just retired from a long nursing career. She and I share having lost children, hers a toddler, lost to a fast-moving illness (possibly meningitis). She is just a sweetheart and my heart hurts for her.

The four (or now three of them) have to remain in BVI for the rest of the week pending the outcome of the investigation and the release of O's body. Tonight at Happy Hour (I called it Sad Hour) there were only a few of us and Karrie had laid a fire in the formal dining room fireplace for us. The garden room is being used by the movie people. I was glad to be in this more intimate setting. O was on the Board of The Club so it is particularly hard-felt by those there. Hugh and Maureen did not come over (he is very good friends with O and the other man who is on the trip, had actually been notified by Arnie the day that it happened, from BVI, with the terrible news). 

Karrie says The Club will be standing by to serve the family in whatever way is needed. O was extremely involved in the community and county, my having met him 20+ years ago at the Chamber of Commerce, but actually got to know them here at The Club and at the pool. 

Justin had told me that he was doing some research to help Arnie with a tech situation at his home, to sync his head phones with the TV so he doesn't blast Janet out of the house. Justin also told me tonight that he had been asked by Jacque to work on something for her, but I expect that is a long way down the line for her now. 

I was talking with Kathy at Sad Hour tonight, saying I almost feel like something happened to Janet and Arnie, and then realized that something had, something horrible. What they witnessed and are experiencing on their once fun vacation...Last week when Janet was leaving after trivia, she came up to me and cupped my face in her hands, and rubbed noses with me, saying, "You are just so......" She didn't finish her sentence to me but I got the picture, and I feel the same way about her, and Arnie. Such sweet folks, trying to enjoy their later years, and now this. So, yes, a funk has fallen over us.

http://members.jacksonville.com/news/crime/2014-01-22/story/clay-county-advocate-dies-tuesday-caribbean-swimming-accident