h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't like this time of year because I tend to think of the people that are no longer here. And, by 'here' I mean there is no way they can possibly return. I have said 'goodbye' almost more than I have said 'hello'.

I know the feeling. March 19 is only about four weeks away. That's the anniversary of my moth's death.

"This time of the year" is also a song from "Finian's rainbow."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-8fxLz0-OQ

Sorry, "moth" was supposed to be "mother."

I wrote a longer version. Thought about it, decided not to post that here, but another journal site that stays firmly locked except for two friends.

I am not upset or depressed. I just don't like this time of year because of things that have happened over many years and I tend to miss people more the first half of the year.

The first funeral I attended was July 16, 1977. Formal police funeral for my brother in law, motorcycle crash on duty, aged 25. I was 8. Miss him a lot. He was funny, kind and incredibly friendly. Loved Christmas as much as any child.

March 1984, 18 year old first cousin. Another motorcycle crash. I still miss him at *every* family holiday. I've never been on a motorcycle since then.

January 1985, both grandmothers.

And, it goes on ...

I've known of people who died young in motorcycle crashes. I have never been on one.

I've only ridden with that same brother in law and my sister. I was very small and it was around the big yard at our parents' house. One of my high school dates showed up at the house on a motorcycle and asked if I wanted to go for a ride. My brother beat me to the ''NO''. To be fair, boyfriend had no idea about brother in law or cousin.

Twist of irony. A couple of years later I was talking with the brother of that short termed 'boyfriend' who had the same last name as the brother in law. Them and my nephew are third cousins. Dad happened to know their grand parents and great grand parents.

This is about that cousin: A14472209

One of my cousins committed suicide in 1974. Alas, he is now but a distant memory. His parents and grandparents are now deceased. He had two sisters, who are still alive. One of the sisters is estranged from the rest of the family. Not a happy family.

A member of our Sophomore class died in a car crash on her way home from work in broad daylight on a Saturday afternoon, about a month into the new school year (Sept.). The other driver failed to stop at a stop sign. Her picture and funeral prayer card were included in the year book.

A friend/classmate committed suicide our senior year of high school. It was January or so. Graduation was late May.

In the division of labor, I would light candles and leave cursing the darkness to others. But that's just me.

And, any time I say what my plans are, I hear the universe laughing. Apparently, plans don't necessarily work out.

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