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After completing the trilogy Saturday I drove down to AAA where Bob was having his first day back from the worst week of his life just long enough to convey my sympathies to the family. I felt the need to make the special trip as a sign that I really did care (though the drama queen is whining about where the gas is coming from to make it to Thursday.)

On Sunday I reported at 4 pm to find Bob on board. The obituary was in the Fairborn paper and a notice was in the Dayton paper. Her name was Patty. Bob's son name is Sachsa. He is not doing well.

To be expected. He's recovering from his surgery at Bob's home. For obvious reasons he does not want to live in the other house anymore. The two older children are now with their real father. Little Sammy, too young to know differently keeps asking for Mommy (or Daddy). I think of my lost Susie who spent her years missing a mother who left too soon but God's loans to parents and children are mysterious and awesome.

Patty, it appears, has a medical prescription for any and all ailments. Her medicine drawer was a shock to the coroner upon his inspection. Basically she was a walking professional hypochrondriac who probably took one medication or mixed one too many and biology caught up to her. Toxology report will take about five weeks.

She was 27. Of course no insurance. Funeral is Tuesday. Not sure I'm going--there will be a huge turn-out. I'm working Monday (again) for him and someone will have to backstop me Tuesday and Wednesday (Tonya's days off normally) because he has much to do.

Bob is determined to give his son a funeral that will show respect and dignity. He really can't afford it yet it's touching to see a father's devotion to his son. I was so used to hearing 'that idiot' that hearing his real name showed a depth of love and care for his only son that makes me humble in my pragmatic treatment of my own.

This will set Bob back quite a bit. One thing however little Sammy will grow up in a very loving environment. Bob was occasionally worried about Patty not allowing him access. The cold truth of the manner is she was a piece of work. By no means on the Devil Child level but the potential was very much there. I expect Bob's grief for her to be short but his concern for the effects on his son to be acute for quite awhile. He's close to a meltdown and I suspect his broken ankle is actually a mercy from God to keep him from doing something foolish.

And this will be all on the subject for now. A slice of real life. Perhaps some good may come of it.