Merry, Merry All, (Please read this note with some urgency)

Last night (December 8th), I received a call at 10pm (North Carolina time) from Elia informing me that Dad’s funeral is set 9 days from today, a Thursday.

A funeral during the Christmas Holiday?  

I, for one, do not want to start putting up my Christmas decorations next year (and every year thereafter) and be reminded of Dad’s funeral.  Holidays are hard enough with the death of someone you love and miss… without the memory of the person’s funeral during the holiday on top of it. This, in addition to planning.

There seems to be no logic for this schedule.   At least none that Elia would disclose to me. (Except that “Christmas is a celebration”) I suggested that she take Dad’s 1/2 of ashes to Mexico and have his Mexico service there, and ours can be set for a later time, but both were unacceptable.

With only nine (9) days’ notice, the airfare (if I purchased it last night) is Running between $1,800 - $2,100 per person (So times THREE this price for Todd, Maddisyn, and I… total $6,000+ for us all) This comes on top of just coming out of last month …hotel+ food+ car. Most importantly I want us to attend my father’s funeral.

If the funeral is held in December, we will not be going. We absolutely cannot.

I’m not sure of your thoughts, however, Dad’s (805) 710-6047 number is still working and is answered by Elia. In addition, Todd has set up a U.S. phone number to call Elia directly in Mexico if you wish to express anything to the matter. In fact, I highly encourage it and would greatly appreciate your calls to Elia.

• Calling this number 1-951-374-8231 in the U.S.
• forwards to Elia’s WhatsApp Number in
• Mexico (+52.667.242.8990)

I believe Dad would have wanted all of us to get together and agree on a date that works for all of us.  Sometime in January or March, and on a Monday or Friday (Riverside doesn’t schedule on Saturdays) would likely be best for most (I would assume.) Riverside is currently only planning out 2-3 weeks. Now it’s up to each one of us…Time for planning. Time to gather. I do hope you all are well.

With Love,
Julie, Todd, & Maddisyn
+1.805.400.5437