5/28/26

 

Our solar powered security system was on duty today. 1/3 was sleeping on the job.

Paul and I went to calling hours this evening. One of Paul’s Dad’s cousins passed away. He was 88 years old. He was sick. He had been on dialysis for a few years and his body was tired.

We watched the pictures displayed of this man. Many of the pictures had Paul’s Dad in them. Every single picture this man was smiling. He was known as the man that always smiles. Paul shared some fond memories of him.

We expressed condolences to all the appropriate people. I did enjoy hearing memories that were shared. 

 Paul and I differ in our techniques to get someone’s attention. This calling hours was more relaxed and didn’t have a line. Of course the grieving wife is someone you would want to seek out. 

Paul wanted to stand politely behind her. I was encouraging him to be more aggressive to be in her sight line. Once she finishes a conversation, we could step in next.

We tried it Paul’s way after a brief, whisper disagreement. Not really the time nor place to disagree.

The grieving wife, with her back to us did exactly as I said to Paul. She didn’t see him and she was moving towards people she saw. Eye roll. Sometimes you should just listen to your wife!!!!!

“You have got to get into her sight line” I whispered. After some encouragement, we tried the way I had described. 

Behold, it worked. Is it wrong to strategize at calling hours? We had a nice chat with the grieving wife and Paul’s cousins and family members. It sucks to have to see them for this reason.

Paul and I often have conversations about Italian goodbyes and Irish goodbyes. He thinks I am rude with my Irish goodbyes. I argue that I am just more efficient with my time. It is one of my short comings.

Paul decided it was best to do an Irish goodbye in this case. Once he felt that we had seen and talked to all the appropriate people, we walked out the door straight to the car. I think it was the first time I have ever seen Paul execute and Irish goodbye. Now I know he CAN do it.  I will bring that piece of knowledge into play at a later date at my convenience. Ha!

Ethan went and got his car inspected. He got chatting with the guy who shared another type of machine shop work. It peeked Ethan’s curiosity. I encouraged him to look into it more. It just takes a seed to be planted.