Because so much family time for the 5 of us had been redirected toward the extended family and my mom’s memorial, we took a several-day road trip to slow life down a bit and be together before facing the next big transition (thanks to some free housing!). It was not ideal to do this a week after my mom’s memorial, but it made our time together even more important. It’s a different kind of loss – one with much hope and promise. But it’s another loss that we’re all feeling.  But really proud of her and we miss her tons.  She’s off and running!