May 31, 2014

Bad News - Worse News

Courtney and her husband Jordan.

I arrived home from the store, truly dusted out….my dust allergies winning.

“Do you want the bad news or the truly bad news first,” said my charming husband who was in the garage doing the laundry.

“Give me the really bad news first,” I said.

“Granddaughter Courtney’s husband was killed in a motorcycle accident.”

After getting all the details I asked, “and what’s the bad news.”

“Granddaughter Beth is in jail for drunk driving.  No one bailed her out because everyone was back east with Courtney.  Beth will be arraigned this afternoon.”

No, I didn’t feel much like standing up and speaking yesterday afternoon, but I did.  Margot brought two magically wonderful cakes, and George said something and gave me a token marked “XXX.”  The monthly BBQ was a huge success and momentarily left us with feelings of exhilaration. 


  • Himself:  Worked his tail off yesterday while fielding calls and me.  He’s my hero.
  • Herself:  Shuffled donations, and I got the kids bookcase loaded up with new things.
  • Reading:  ”Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days.”
  • Balance:  No thinking.


  • 19 comments:

    1. Oh gosh, sweetie. I don't know what to say.

      ReplyDelete
    2. Looking at the photo, I can't imagine him dead, but my son often tells me how regularly young men are killed on mototcycles that they tend to drive too fast coupled with all the usual things that can happen. My brother in law was lickety-spliting along a country road and a car pulled from a hidden driveway right into him. Couldn't have avoided it from either view.

      That said: my heart is filled with the shock the family must be feeling. The loss, painful, I know. My condolences. And the arrest, too: a lot for a family to bear. We have some of that going on in our family but it's not mine to write about. Painful, yes. I knew you were writing here and just hadn't left a note over the years. Thanks for your note. Maybe we could charm OD members we like back to write on blogger? I would be good to have such an undemanding site to gather in.

      ReplyDelete
    3. I am so terribly sorry Mage.

      ReplyDelete
    4. we definitely has a couple of life's speed bumps yesterday but the day's end was happy, joyous & free

      ReplyDelete
    5. So tragic when a young person dies. We've had a few of those in our extended family too. Good time to remember the serenity prayer.

      ReplyDelete
    6. This is a time for feelings rather than words. I am very sad to hear of his death, and sad that you have to go through this,

      ReplyDelete
    7. I have lived another life and avoided ever having to visit a friend or relative in jail. I would not know where to begin. I have lived through the news of the death on motorcycle of one of my brother's closest friends when they were both in their early 20's. There is no way to prepare for that.

      ReplyDelete
    8. Oh Mage. I'm so sorry for your unthinkable loss and troubles. I wish you and yours the strength to get through it. Big hugs to you.

      ReplyDelete
    9. Holy Mother!

      My thoughts go out to Courtney and the family...

      And Beth -- well, perhaps these consequences saved her life.

      Glad you had the strength to get through the rest of your day -- after having the wind knocked out of you -- and to enjoy, as George said, a "happy, joyous, and free" end of day.

      ReplyDelete
    10. What a world we live in... such sorrow. I am so very sorry for your loss and for your poor granddaughter. So young... My heart grieves for you. Congratulations on your anniversary--Triple X's with love!!

      ReplyDelete
    11. So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts. Lots of love.

      ReplyDelete
    12. My goodness. I think the news was worse and worst.

      ReplyDelete
    13. That's too bad. My condolences to you and your family, Mage.

      ReplyDelete
    14. I'm so sorry for all the bad news at one time. It doesn't make it any easier either.

      ReplyDelete
    15. Thinking of you today and hoping today is better than yesterday. Healing hugs ... T

      ReplyDelete
    16. XXX marking three decades of living one day at a time! I hope that Courtney and her husband lived flat out in the time they had together. And I hope all of her memories will be sweet. And, not being immediately bailed out of jail? Sometimes that's the news that turns things around, I hope that is the case and that one day she will stand among her peers and get a triple x as well. Sending you love and comfort.

      ReplyDelete
    17. I'm wishing you strength and peace of mind. You can get through anything - together. Michael Palin will help also.

      ReplyDelete
    18. Oh good gosh, Mage...

      I'm so very sorry. This is awful!

      ReplyDelete

    postcards

    Celebration of Life