I'm off to Indiana for a deathwatch.... Please don't pray for me.

[politicat]

My great-grandfather is dying, and so I'm headed off to be of as much assistance to him as I can be for the next three weeks. I won't be here much since I'm dropping from cable to a phone line (ooo.... the pain!) and will be dealing with the fundie relatives, the rethuglican neighbors and church friends (the few who have the decency to remember the old man who helped them out whenever they needed it.... :grr: ) and my grandmother, who is still convinced that I'm 6.

I'll do my best not to kill anyone, but I make no promises about chewing them out. I just hope I can keep my tongue and not do so during any sort of official business...

Pcat

[fshrink]

1. We'll hold the fort. The whole 10 of us!

[Longhorn]

2. No praying here

but a note of appreciation that you will be there for your great-grandfather and those who love him. I was holding my grandmother's hand when she died (also in Indiana) and it was a profound experience for me, mainly because she died on her 85th birthday which reminded me that, at then age 43, I may still have half my life left to live and it was time to quit living it like an old person!

Anyway, your family is lucky to have you. It can be no small inconvenience for you to make this trip and many would not make the sacrifice. Hats off to you, Pcat! I'm proud to be a fellow AA comrade! :toast:

Have a safe trip; we'll miss you!

[Taxloss]

3. I'm thinking of you.

It's a natural process, and it's a release.

A fourth generation! You have enjoyed a privilege few have. I wish I had known my great-grandparents. Hell, they were Victorians. Mrs T never even knew her grandparents.

As for the rethugs, give 'em hell.

[fshrink]

4. Oh! And I'll drink to you. nt

[Az]

5. Keep your head about you

And know that we will be here for you when you return.

[GOPFighter]

6. Indiana is not good atheist country

Keep your hat off so they can see you have no horns. If you see my family, well, you best keep on moving!

Seriously, good luck to you and your Gr-Grandfather.

[Bzzzz]

7. May your presence be comforting to your great-grandfather...

and politicat, there are a few of us atheists here in Indiana, but very few. We welcome you to Indiana, but wish it were under happier circumstances. Have a safe trip.:hug:

[displacedtexan]

8. Congratulate your great-grandfather on a long, fruitful life!

We all wish you a safe trip and memory-making moments with your great-grandfather!

As for having to deal with fundies there, just remember: with the sweet comes the sour.

[politicat]

9. To everyone: Thanks so much!!!!

You all are wonderful, and theists don't know what they're missing.

I leave out tomorrow (I'm checking DU while I synch my iPod - no train without audio-books, after all!) and arrive in Chicago on Tuesday. I'll in theory be back here full time on Feb 15.

I know how lucky I am to have reached nearly 30 with great-grandparents intact (my gr-grandmother died 4 years ago) and I would not have traded them for anything. I just hope this can be as peaceful and smooth as it needs to be for his sake.

I'll be in Central Indiana, in a small town outside of a slightly bigger town called Kokomo, so if any of you have the strength of character to rescue me for a couple of hours.... (my grandmother can be a little difficult .)

Best to all fo you, and see you when I get back.

Pcat

[Longhorn]

10. I was born in Rochester, just a little north of Kokomo

so I know exactly where you're headed. I hope the weather is good and you have a peaceful trip!

[Bzzzz]

12. Know Kokomo well...

I live in Sulphur Springs, which is close(7 miles) to New Castle (Steve Alford's hometown). I've ran the Big Ben 5K in Kokomo several times. The iPod will come in handy...love mine. I just finished "When Will Jesus Bring The Pork Chops", by Geo. Carlin. I subscribe to Audible.com to get my books. Hang in there...

[Dookus]

11. So sorry to hear it...

it's always painful. It's very nice you're going there to help. I hope things go as well as possible, given the circumstances.

[BigMcLargehuge]

13. Good luck politicat

just try and remember that you are there to help your great grandfather and not debate the theological bent of those around him. Thinking thusly helped me concentrate on giving comfort when I was making final visits to cancer stricken relatives including my grandmother, aunts, and uncle.