The past few days have been really tough. His absence is felt each day and Wednesday was the day that I had to take the clothing that he would be wearing for the burial. To my surprise, It wasn’t as hard as I had imagined it would be, but it definitely hit me after I finished everything up and walked out the door. While getting everything together, I put on his shirt before adding it to the garment bag. It made me feel close to him in a weird way.

Before leaving the house that afternoon, I asked each of the kids if they wanted to include anything. One thing that James took so much pride in was his hair. Everyone who knows him knows that his hair was always done, even up until his final day. Our son, Alex, told me that he wanted to put in his hair gel. I thought that was the most creative and appropriate thing he could think of. I know how much James will love that.

Before leaving Oak Hill, I decided to drive by his burial site. I sat in the car for a while alone just enjoying the view and I felt so calm in the moment. We have decided to have a private burial for James and will have a memorial at a later time to include those who loved him. One thing he said to everyone before he left us was how loved he felt. I didn’t doubt that for one minute. Thanks again to everyone who loved him so much and that throughout this time you learned to love me too. I appreciate every single one of you!