which is fitting, I suppose, because it rained during his funeral. Today, I cried. Hot tears that hurt as the forced their way past my lashes. Too many people were hurting to not be empathetic. My mom was shaking so hard I was scared something would happen to her. And Nick...he just stands there like a talk dark shape and just looks heartsick. I can't even imagine how Aunt Roberta feels, with her empty bed.

But I know he was loved. The visitation last night lasted four hours and it had to. There were people there the whole time. Nick's friends from school came. Old teachers came. Friends from his work. From his older work. He touched so many lives.

I believe...that my life's gonna see...the love I give...returned to me...

and you know how strong emotion can lead to excessive creativity?

What's the weather like in heaven?
I bet it's always perfect.
Down here it's raining.
But you loved the rain, so maybe that's perfect too.

I think I'll go play in the rain.

I miss you, Uncle Johnnie. We all do.

{Ed. Note: this is last friday's entry. x-posted from my LJ because my server was down last week. Deal.}