goodbyes (for now)

Last moments at the house of my late friend Beej and her family, before I get back on a plane, back to my West Coast life. It's been hard- lovely- unforgettable being back here, the home where she had hoped to spend the rest of her life- did spend the rest of her life. At one point, I was shown, in the downstairs knick-knack cabinet, the canister that contains her ashes; decorated with Peanuts characters, it was one she herself selected. (The last time I came here, during her final illness, there was a large inflatable Snoopy doghouse on the front porch; it's gone now.) Talking to Darin about how he's been doing since Beej passed, and cars, and plans for future visits; talking to Morgan about college, and music, and a girl she likes, who spent graduation night dinner here at the house, which was a lovely occasion. On an impulse, I'd brought with me a book of Paul McCartney lyrics Beej had given me once, with a personal inscription; I had Darin and Morgan both inscribe it, as well. They both wrote hugely touching messages; both of them said how much I'd helped with all of this, and both named me as family. Especially now, with my blood family so far away, that's a rare and precious thing. Home now, as soon as I wake up Darin, although a part of my heart will always be here.