Wake crasher

I crashed a wake today.

Now that is a conversation starter! You did what? Yep, I crashed a wake. And I took Avery with me. I needed an accomplice, you know. I always say "If I am goin' down, I am taking people with me!" Usually I apply it to desserts, but it works in this case too.

I was not able to attend Nicholas' service today because I volunteered to sub for Miss Evie, his real preschool teacher. She really needed to be there. I was never his full time teacher, only ever a sub in the room with him, and he loved Miss Evie so! Miss Evie was one of the first people his mom called. So I stayed at the school and played and created with other little sweeties.

I heard the service was beautiful and that his mother actually gave the eulogy. It was said that she was a pillar of strength. She commended her husband for being the one with Nick in the end. And she read off a list of funny things that Nicholas had said...something that she had always kept up with... I can't even begin to imagine how she did it.

I keep thinking about leaving one behind... could I do it? Could I never again touch my child? Hold him? Comfort him? I just can't imagine that I could.

So there I was at the center when another staff member came back to work. She had the program with her which listed the wake address. It was held in my neighborhood and on my way home. So I stopped.

I was looking for Miss Evie, hoping to be introduced to the parents. She had already left, but as I was about to leave I heard someone call my name. Another friend of mine was there, Jennifer Downing. Jennifer told me that she has been friends with Tara, the mom, since 4th grade. Would she introduce me? Sure.

This lady... so gratious... simply dressed... surrounded by friends and family... took a minute to meet with me. How did I know him? I am a teacher at the preschool. Did he ever mention Bailey to you? yes, he did. She is my daughter. They were friends and would play when she would come with me to work. She was grateful that I had taken a moment to stop by. She introduced me to Jim, her husband, and their son, who looks just like Nicholas. She welcomed me to stay as long as I liked. I thanked her, but told her that I had just wanted to let her know that they were in my thoughts and prayers. That my heart was hurting for her.

It was quite humbling.