In a perfect world, I would have culminated the short visit with Jessica by lunching at a Tea Room with friends or a hanging out in her room, but no, due to faulty scheduling, she was treated with the task of accompanying me to my colonoscopy bright and early Tuesday morning. We spent the last few hours of our visit at St. Francis, she flipping through Esquire Magazine in a chair next to my bed while I vomited in a little pan following “the procedure.” As usual, I was given medicine for my post-anesthetic nausea which renders me out like a light for at least two hours. Finally, she tapped me on the arm and said, “I hate to do this, but you need to wake up or I’m going to miss my plane.”

I stumbled home and into my bed to sleep it off while she packed her suitcase and mine! Michael was to take Jessica to the airport and BF and I were scheduled to leave for Ohio if I was able. His dear friend and fishing buddy, Don passed away on Saturday and BF was to present the Eulogy Wednesday morning at 11:00.

Somehow, as it always does, it just worked. I awakened feeling remarkably well, and in time to see the kids off, and pack a picnic supper for the road. BF flew in and we were off, once again, for a two-day whirlwind trip to Ohio. We worked together most of the five-hour drive on his presentation, BF dictating while I scribbled on a legal pad. I enjoyed hearing the stories BF had collected from Don’s family about this man’s remarkable 88 years of life, and as always, it was a pleasure to work together on a project with my partner.

Following a short night’s sleep at my mother-in-law’s, BF slipped on a coat and tie, which he does rarely, and we set out for the funeral home. I must say that I have never been more proud of my boyfriend. He stood in front of a crowded room and tearfully, yet masterfully, celebrated the life of a man who had been a huge influence upon him. I am in awe of anyone who can stand at a podium and make sense, especially in an emotional situation. I would need major drugs.

We enjoyed a quick, but nice visit with our Ohio family last evening setting out for Indy at the crack of dawn this morning. We munched on Eileen’s meatloaf sandwiches and reflected on the events of the past two days as we drove across I-70. Rick’s friend, Don was a world traveler, taking his last trip just two weeks before he died. He had encouraged Rick many times, “Go while you can. Travel, Rick. See the world.” We thought it fitting that we spent the last hour of our drive reading the itinerary for our trip to Africa. That’s what we intent to do . . . go while we can . . . see the world.