So we got back around 4:00 yesterday p.m.  We really had quite the good time.  We stayed at the Lithia Springs Inn in Ashland, which was completely and totally carved out a ginormous slab of awesome.  We even had a hot tub/whirlpool right in our room so we could "take the waters."  That stuff really does have magical properties, I'm telling you.  They also have the greatest (personality-wise and girth-wise) live-in cat, named Chester.  byroncaloz got some pics which I'm sure he will be more than happy to share.

The weekend was really about Byron reestablishing old connections and making some peace with his past ("We may be through with the past, but the past sure ain't through with us.").  We visited his mother's gravesite at the VA cemetery in White City/Eagle Point.  Her ashes are buried there along with those of her last husband.  It was very emotional and beautiful.  I felt her spirit very strongly, and the overwhelming message I got was that she is so happy to be reunited with him, and for us not to worry anymore.  We also visited Byron's dad who still lives in Medford, and of course there was the reunion and Byron getting to see his old friends.  I was pretty much in observer mode most of the time, but that was good.  I made some new friends too!  All in all, a good time was had by all, and some healing happened too.  

The house was still standing when we got back, kittehs were glad to see us and got all snuggly-huggly (except of course for Marvin, but he was still glad to see us), and we're starting to settle back into the Portland groove.  So, there you have it.

You scored as Earth-Child. You're a very peaceful person who has very strong beliefs. Others see you as spiritual, and you really are. You see magic as a resource to be used wisely. The earth really is your mother, and you'll remain close to her as long as you live. </td> Earth-Child 88% One Intelectual Individual 75% Original Hippie 50% Not a Hippie 38% New Age Hippie 25% Pothead 0% What type of hippie are you? created with QuizFarm.com

Thanks for all the commisseration and good wishes, everyone. Byron wrote a bit about his mom in his journal, so check it out if you'd like to know more about her. He's going to be working on a much more detailed presentation that he hopes to give at her memorial, whenever that happens (probably not til next spring). She was one unique and inspirational woman.

Here is Byron with his mom and his sister Sharon at our wedding reception last year. We love and miss you very much, Mom.

We got back a few hours ago. byroncaloz's mom died 10 minutes before we arrived at the hospital. Our time there was spent dealing with cleaning out her apartment at the retirement community and various legal and financial issues. Both of Byron's sisters and their husbands arrived a day or so after we did, so it was a group effort. One of Byron's brothers-in-law is the executor of the estate, so he's handling all the legal rigmarole; it couldn't be in finer hands, he's a real go-getter.

What I went through last year with my own mom was hard enough, but at least she's still with us. I can't imagine what Byron must be going through. Everyone, please get regular medical check-ups for you and your loved ones, and take good care of yourselves. Also, if you're having health problems, please don't keep it to yourself. Tell your friends and family - it's not a bother nor a burden. They love you and want to know how they can help you if you're hurting. Pass it on.

Thanks again for all your prayers and good wishes. Love you all.

byroncaloz just found out his mom is unconscious in the ICU at Walla Walla General. We're driving up there ASAP. Please pray for her.