I’m sitting outside Express in //Bay Street shops in Emeryville.  Farrah is in one of the many shops, and I just got out of the Apple store.  I’m sitting on a bench, and it is a pretty chilly late afternoon (around 5:30 PM).  I’m not sure if I will be able to post this entry to the website from here.  I’m getting a weak WiFi signal from the Apple store, but I don’t think I’ll be out here long.  The day has been pretty much uneventful, though I the week holds promise.

Last week was pretty rough, and seemingly long.  An uncle in Hawaii passed away.  His death, almost any death, still reminds me of my father.  I’m not sure why, even after all these years, but it still does.  My uncle, someone as a kid I would call my rich uncle, had become ill in September.  From what I understand he was up and around in the beginning of last year, showing no signs of disability, save his age.  He was tending his garden still, going out when need be.  But I suppose time catches up with everyone.  He was 93 when he died.

I saw Uncle Teofilo after our wedding.  I visited his home with my mom,  where I saw my aunt and cousins.  Uncle was bedridden, talking incoherently as we walked into his room.  It took about 15 minutes to recognize my mom, 20 minutes to recognize me.  When he did recognize me, it was as if a light switch had been turned on.  He wished Farrah and I a happy honeymoon, as if we were in the middle of a conversation.  His words brought tears to my eyes.  After those words, I had to leave.  I didn’t want to see him fade away.  It’s something about seeing someone who you remember being so strong, now not being able to care for themselves.  It hits hard.  From what I understand, my uncle was pretty stubborn when he was lucid, wanting to move around and go when the urge took him over.

My mom went to the funeral, and stayed with relatives for a few days.  I just contemplated life, thinking of what was, what is, and what will be.  Yes, I’m getting a little reflective in my downtime.  I need to find a job and keep busy.

So this week is almost over and a new one is about to begin.  Let’s hope this week is a little better.