sad news

mom called me on my cell at about 1:30am my tuesday to inform me that her mom, my Granny had passed away. when we went to see her at Christmas in Daytona Beach, she was getting worse, but still didn't have a problem spending time with us. when I called to say goodbye before my trip, my uncle answered the phone and informed me that Granny had had yet another heart attack and was at the hospital. so I didn't get the chance to speak with her. after the release from the hospital, mom let me know that they had put her into a hospice home. this was during my first week in Jakarta, so I am thankful that she held on as long as she did. it's disheartening to learn that someone you love is unable to speak to you, as she just barely made sounds that told mom she recognized her voice over the phone the other day. and knowing that she was getting worse by the day doesn't make it any easier to deal with the fact that she's gone, but knowing that she is with my grandfather, someplace that she has wished to accompany him for 11 years, makes it a bit safer within my heart.

they are trying to put off the funeral to thurs, fri or sat, as the earliest I would be able to get down to Daytona would be midmorning thursday. so it looks like I will be back for a few brief hours and back into the airport for the weekend.

so I ask you to please keep Thomasina Groch and my family in your prayers.