Ever Feel Like Job?

[This picture shows Brinne and Carl and their grandparents in Viroqua. I think it was taken about 11-12 years ago??]

Last night I could not sleep, despite being exhausted beyond belief. I finally got up and started getting my eulogy down on paper for Mom's funeral on Thursday. I think I finished up and went back to bed around 12:30am... but still had a hard time sleeping. I finally drifted off, only to be awakened by the telephone.

Ron's sister was calling to tell us that HIS mother was on her way to the hospital in an ambulance after having "coded." An update was to follow within the hour.

Well, the second call came, and I could tell from Ron's end of the conversation that his mother had also died. WOW. That's about all I can say. We both feel as though we've been hit by a truck. The reality is not yet setting in, mostly because we will not/cannot do so yet.

About the only small ray of goodness in the situation is that all four of our kids will be able to be here. First the Jensen side will grieve and bury Grandma, and then the Olson side will grieve and bury Grandma.

DEATH SUCKS!!!!!

Brian has written some excellent thoughts and reactions on his blog. (Look for his comments about his two families, as well.)

Carl is on his way from Fort Jackson, SC. Due to a mixup of some kind, he had not yet been informed of the second death when he called us about two hours ago from the airport in Charleston, and he had leave papers only until Friday. But we have now sorted that out and he can return on Monday - we just have to change his return ticket.

Brent and Brinne will arrive tomorrow and return Monday morning.

I keep telling myself that she cannot be gone! She simply cannot be! And I will continue to do so for the next two days, I think. I won't let my mind go there just yet. Not yet.

Ron's folks and mine really liked each other and they always enjoyed spending time together whenever they had the chance. In fact, we spoke with Ramon and Vangie on Sunday to inform them of Priscilla's death. I was honored beyond belief when Renee told me that she hoped to bring them to Mpls for mom's funeral. Two years ago Ramon and Vangie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and Mom and Doug showed up in Viroqua for the open house - without telling even me that they were coming! That was so cool.

This is all just too much. I cannot take it in. But I know that I will... but not yet. Not yet.