I think your Dad would have loved all the comments on your post and your eulogy will make everyone cry and laugh and smile. You have the same sense of joy that he did in life. It’s in your writing. That is why people love reading your words.
Thinking of you and your family, Jennifer. And I know what you mean about not wanting to leave the house, not wanting to travel separately from James right now. The world is terrifying. But you will be okay. Love those doors! xo
Oh, this is so full and so tender, I don’t quite know what to do with my hands.
First, of course, you didn’t respond to the world. Grief is not a call center. It’s enough that you felt their words, that you let yourself be held in that quiet way.
And Amsterdam giving you all four seasons in a single afternoon totally tracks. The weather matching the emotional landscape. Parka, umbrella, existential dread, sudden birdsong. It's a complete outfit. Eat your heart out, Law Roach.
Keukenhof sounds like exactly the kind of beauty that doesn’t fix anything but somehow steadies you anyway. Hyacinths, applecake, and “fantastic beasts” might be the most persuasive argument for continuing on that I’ve heard all week.
I’m beyond sorry about your dad. And I understand that particular dread of travel—the sense that the world is suddenly too fragile, too unpredictable, to leave the people you love even for a moment. It makes perfect sense. And still, you will go, because love requires it, and that is its own kind of courage.
Also: ginormous antique bathroom doors + a possibly liberated panel of stained glass from Scrooge McDuck is exactly the kind of subplot one needs at a moment like this. A future being built, piece by piece, while you honor the past.
I wish I had met your Dad. I'm thinking he could make me laugh! (There are only a few people who can make me belly laugh.) But, I feel I did met him thru your fantastic writing. Btw, you do make me laugh. Some people understand grief, others do not. Disregard those people who don't get it.
Sending love and hugs now and as you go thru the funeral and process.
I am wishing you extremely boring travels. Believe it or not I have the same anxieties flying *inside* the states right now and just had to fly across the country twice. FWIW it was totally fine. Your eulogy will bring the house down. The bathroom doors are insane. The tulips are gorgeous. And I am sending all the love to your tender, grieving heart ❤️🩹
OMG those doors are gorgeous! Best wishes for your travels. My dad died a bit over a year ago and we never had a memorial (for reasons). It's good that you're doing that.
There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I’d go to my dad’s funeral when the time came. We had a complicated relationship. I didn’t know how I’d feel when he passed. I’m relived that I feel pretty “normal.” If that’s a thing. I’m able to grieve him like you’d expect someone to grieve a parent. And it’s easier to love him when he’s not making me furious and driving me crazy all the time. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I'm delighted that, like spring itself, you are blossoming after a hard winter. I know what you mean about how going to the States has become so precarious. I know longer go, but my wife has to go often to see her very aged mother. It's such a strain for her.
Before too long you'll be back and enjoying Shrimpy. Bliss.
I think your Dad would have loved all the comments on your post and your eulogy will make everyone cry and laugh and smile. You have the same sense of joy that he did in life. It’s in your writing. That is why people love reading your words.
I think he would have loved seeing the comments. He’d attend his own funeral like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn if he could. (And thank you.)
Wishing you safe and uneventful travels! 💗 Bring on Spring ✨
Thinking of you and your family, Jennifer. And I know what you mean about not wanting to leave the house, not wanting to travel separately from James right now. The world is terrifying. But you will be okay. Love those doors! xo
Thanks, Sari. ❤️
Your dad sounds like he was an amazing man. You've inherited his wit and humor, ya know....
He was a character, for sure. I do appreciate the Barnett humor DNA.
Oh, this is so full and so tender, I don’t quite know what to do with my hands.
First, of course, you didn’t respond to the world. Grief is not a call center. It’s enough that you felt their words, that you let yourself be held in that quiet way.
And Amsterdam giving you all four seasons in a single afternoon totally tracks. The weather matching the emotional landscape. Parka, umbrella, existential dread, sudden birdsong. It's a complete outfit. Eat your heart out, Law Roach.
Keukenhof sounds like exactly the kind of beauty that doesn’t fix anything but somehow steadies you anyway. Hyacinths, applecake, and “fantastic beasts” might be the most persuasive argument for continuing on that I’ve heard all week.
I’m beyond sorry about your dad. And I understand that particular dread of travel—the sense that the world is suddenly too fragile, too unpredictable, to leave the people you love even for a moment. It makes perfect sense. And still, you will go, because love requires it, and that is its own kind of courage.
Also: ginormous antique bathroom doors + a possibly liberated panel of stained glass from Scrooge McDuck is exactly the kind of subplot one needs at a moment like this. A future being built, piece by piece, while you honor the past.
and coming home to be greeted by a field of tulips sounds perfect. Sending warm wishes along with a hug to take with you on your travels.
The world is dangerously and like everyone here, I wish you uneventful travels, nice TSA agents, no long waits.
I know what you mean about being away from your people. We live here, all our children live there. It’s hard. ❤️
Thanks for the update, Jennifer. Safe travels.
Sending you a giant squeeze of love and support. Am here to chat if/when/however you need it. xoxox
Your photos of the tulips are absolutely beautiful. And I totally understand your fears of travel at the moment. Stay safe!
Great good luck to you during your travels.🫶
Safe travels, enjoy the time with your family. Kukenhof is fantastic isn’t it🩷
Keukenhof and Efteling are my two absolute favorite places.
I wish I had met your Dad. I'm thinking he could make me laugh! (There are only a few people who can make me belly laugh.) But, I feel I did met him thru your fantastic writing. Btw, you do make me laugh. Some people understand grief, others do not. Disregard those people who don't get it.
Sending love and hugs now and as you go thru the funeral and process.
I never know how to explain what’s funny or why some people can always make me laugh, but I’m grateful for the ones who do. 💕
I am wishing you extremely boring travels. Believe it or not I have the same anxieties flying *inside* the states right now and just had to fly across the country twice. FWIW it was totally fine. Your eulogy will bring the house down. The bathroom doors are insane. The tulips are gorgeous. And I am sending all the love to your tender, grieving heart ❤️🩹
Thank you so much, Ally. ❤️
OMG those doors are gorgeous! Best wishes for your travels. My dad died a bit over a year ago and we never had a memorial (for reasons). It's good that you're doing that.
There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I’d go to my dad’s funeral when the time came. We had a complicated relationship. I didn’t know how I’d feel when he passed. I’m relived that I feel pretty “normal.” If that’s a thing. I’m able to grieve him like you’d expect someone to grieve a parent. And it’s easier to love him when he’s not making me furious and driving me crazy all the time. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I'm delighted that, like spring itself, you are blossoming after a hard winter. I know what you mean about how going to the States has become so precarious. I know longer go, but my wife has to go often to see her very aged mother. It's such a strain for her.
Before too long you'll be back and enjoying Shrimpy. Bliss.
This made me smile. I shall henceforth be thinking of myself as a blooming flower. 🌺 😊