Sweetie's Day
Today, apparently, is Sweetie's Day. Or Sweetheart's Day. Something like that. It's the day, apparently, when women are supposed to do something nice for their guy – and Valentine's Day, apparently, is the day that guys are supposed to do something for their girl. Like Valentine's Day, it's another Hallmark holiday, and one that U.K. couldn't stand. UK is my husband's uncle who just passed not too long ago. His best friend and sweetheart S. just had us down to EC to do a memorial for him. She picked this day exactly because it is Sweetie's Day, or whatever. Basically, it became their in-joke, and she thought it would be a perfect day to have some closure. Some prayers. Some friends, and some flowers.
As advertised, it was brief – only 20 minutes or so. Being outside in the blustery fall weather, that was kinda nice, but it was also nice that we made it there on time. Otherwise, we would have driven 2 hours and missed the whole thing.
We had a little more time with S. and UK's old friend D. We went to the beach on Lake Michigan where they used to go. Spoke a little more, took some more photos, then parted ways – they, to get some tacos or White Castle, and us, to find the closest diner that served decent food. A place UK would have gone. We found one.
It was decent food. Good service, and packed – as packed as it could be in these COVID times. Every other table taped-off with caution tape like a halloween decoration – which was kind of confusing, since it IS Halloween season, and decorations are all around. You almost see it as a joke when you first see it.
After some bottomless coffee, bacon, and omlette, hash browns, and lots of Louisana hot sauce, it was time for us to hit the road again. No second stops this time. Everyone was busy or away. So we just drove back to Wisconsin. Strange to have such a short trip. Strange to not see UK's house – now up for sale. It will be very, very strange to see someone else eventually living there. It's a sturdy house, and well-built, as many of its day are. But now it is a new neighborhood. A new life. He stayed to the end, though. He didn't take the easy way, that's for sure. In some ways he did. But who am I to judge. He was a tough son-of-a-gun. He survived a lot: cancer, Vietnam, being stabbed, and, for awhile, cirrhosis of the liver. Multiple divorces. The death of his older brother way before his years. He survived a lot. Rest In Peace, Uncle K. May you be enjoying Sweetie's Day up there, and somehow be getting the last laugh :).
As for me, I'm just thankful for the times I had with him, and S. and my husband's brothers, and family. Thankful for the times that were so recent, yet so long ago. How quickly things can change – both for the better, and for the worse. I'm so grateful to have this day – each new memory is something to cherish, each minute with someone you love is precious. Yes, two hours to drive for a 15 minute ceremony is absolutely worth it. Every time. I'm so glad I was able to make it.
If there was only a way to be extra grateful. To give it back. That's the next step. That's what I'm working on now.
Happy Sweetie's Day, everyone. May you cherish your loved ones and be grateful for every minute. And may you tell them every day, every chance you get, how much you love them. Amen.