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To answer one question put by the Countess, Bob's daughter-in-law Patty was on social security disability/medicare program--which is where her medicine were coming from. I still think some mishandling took place.

The night before I worked for Bob and got stuck an extra hour because supervisor Jeannie forgot to schedule a midnight call taker so partner Tonya took calls and I stayed in dispatch. This unfortunate death is providing me with a much needed windfall -- the drama queen is gloating but my spritual side is embarassed by the usual shallowness but not overly surprised.

The night before I checked in with the wayward nephew to find him surprisingly well and more upbeat then I anticipated. He said I was the scariest lecturer he'd had but distance adds courage any day. He has meetings with Julie but other then some encourgaement no reconciliation yet.

This morning I arise at about 11:30 am and decide Bob is important enough to me to go to his dughter-in-law's viewing. Unfortunately the extra work days depleted my fuel supply. Ruth offers me $14 but I call Dan instead and get a quick loan (pay back Thursday) and put $20 in the tank, pick up a layaway at the News Outlet (near the Bookery) and walk about a 10th of a mile to the funeral home.

Bob is visibly pleased to see me and I ask permission to see the young lady. He walks me over and I confess in truth she was the most awful looking corpse I had ever seen. Bob dryly says "They had to use a LOT of cosmetics on her." as I believe he knew what I was contemplating. I nod. I get to meet his wife for the first time and mischievously mention that Bob missed her VERY much when she was back visiting in Germany. Just had to be done.

The service is short. Amazing Grace is played of course. The 23rd Psalm is also done and the cliches are all in place. I wish my father had had a more dignified funeral as Patty's at least as God's love and mercy were proclaimed even if the reasons for the homecoming are unclear and I'm in serious doubts of her final destiny. Her husband Sachas turned out to be a fine young man but distraught young man. Me and Bob seem to have much in common with our spawn. A guitarist mangles "In the Garden" but it still was a nice service and the hall was packed. I skip the burial as I need to get to work.

I'm literally leaving the funeral home when nephew Stephen calls. He about has a job--almost 95% assured.

At a liquor store.

I comment that that's like having someone (like me) work a comic book store and not be allowed to read--almost impossible to achieve. He thinks it will test his resolve. I tell him rather nicely he does not test well.

Somewhere there is laughter in Heaven or Hell at the follies of men.