Though our world is not the same, the priest at the service was right.  The seeds Rachel has sown reach out more than I have seen from any other passing.  I know I have made new or closer friends....Patti Lebar and I cried together on the phone for a week.  In fact I just visited her today at the rehab place which I otherwise wouldn't have done. I was so broken up at the service and Nancy looked after me like a mother.  Alice and I are going shopping for flowers for the garden.  And there is the Japanese woman that came up to me in the laundry to talk about Rachel.  I think others knew her but I guess I really never paid attention, but we have become friends.  I just heard someone watering outside.  For a minute I got confused and thought Rachel was back.  One of those "normal" crazy thoughts we have and will be having for a while.  It was the Japanese woman and her husband watering the garden.  So we talked through the window a bit.  She asked me if I was in my kitchen and I told her "no - I'm standing in my bathtub!".  (I have to learn her name before I get too embarrassed!).  Finally Marcia, who could probably drive the dali lama tp drink!  We've had some wonderful talks and I have a new appreciation and patience for her and her odd ways.  Please don't let her see this!  

And for you a I have story at some point.  This reminds me of when my grandmother passed and my grandfather was left  as the patriarch to the family and the thread to what was.  And you and your family have many happy, happy days ahead......Mary Bernal