So I'm not trying to advertise for Starbucks - they don't need that. However, I'm sitting here in a chi chi cafe downtown Oakland (yes, I know, it's true) having a coffee drink thinking of Ned and his hours spent in cafes - thinking and planning and preparing his many plans.I think probably for many of us - family and friends - getting back to any kind of "normal" is the most difficult after a tragedy like this. I have found myself telling complete strangers on a daily basis about Ned. I could probably sell them a sticker once the stickers are ready.
This has opened up things to me - free coffee mainly ;) Also, our family has found a load of support from Jasmine and Aaren's (Ned and Vicki's niece and nephew) school community - Chabot Elementary and the many friends we have made there. Let's see - an afternoon at the country club, pot pies, tamales and Thai food from the farmer's markets, a gingerbread cake prepared by a station cook at the SF Hilton Hotel, watching the kids for an evening, taking the kids overnight, doing a load of our laundry and the promise of a grilled chicken dinner on Tuesday and other offers. We also got a lot of help from friends for the smooth running of Jasmine's 11th birthday party on Saturday. We got a batch of cookies from our landlords, a huge bag of Thai Food from our neighbors and a stack of cards from friends, comrades and former high school students of mine.
I think Ned would have been proud of this outpouring of community for his sister's family. Many people know how to reach out and it is teaching me a lot about how to treat people when they are grieving. Some people don't know what to say or do and don't get in touch. I forgive them, but I want to learn from this and be there for my friends when they need me.
Finally, I just want to say, I am really behind on posting on the blog. There are pictures that people sent that need to be posted and also my cousin Debbie is putting together a cookbook in Ned's name that will be a fundraiser for Shaan's college fund. I will get these posts up in the next couple days.
Ned you will always be with us! We miss you.
