I missed her.
Connery and I headed to Helena yesterday morning, about a two-hour drive from Livingston on good roads. Snowy and icy to Bozeman, conditions improved when we turned off at Three Forks. Unfortunately, road construction slowed us up outside of Townsend. Who knew there could still be road construction in Montana in November? I was pretty impressed with the stamina of the crew. But by the time I got out of the construction line and made my way into Montana's capital (and found my way to the assisted living center), Aunt Peg had made her graceful exit. True to her nature, she sneaked away when her daughters were talking with others in the room. She never did like to be the center of attention.
My parents arrived shortly after Connery and I did, and Connery was predictably thrilled to see them. My parents have some kind of magical tantrum-prevention mojo, and he was a star all day. Having a child around when everything else is death makes a huge difference to one's state of mind, I think. I knew this on some level, but it was very clear when my parents and my cousins Kelly and Mark all tromped down to Helena's carousel after lunch to try to give Connery a good memory of the trip. Five adults, one 2-year-old, all watching the carousel go around, enthusiastically naming each carousel animal and waiting to see his look of happiness once he's on the ride. Perhaps predictably, he didn't want to ride it (Grandpa's shoulders are better than any carousel horse, even when the horse is a trout), but it was therapeutic for all of us just the same.
Amy and Becky have entrusted me with writing Peg's obituary. I am honored and humbled as I try to encapsulate her life in a few paragraphs. I'll post it when I'm happy with it. I'd like for it to be seen by as many people as possible.