DATE OF MY LAST POST ... TRAGEDY STRUCK

January 21 ... the date of my last post ... I just noticed it.   That night at 9 p.m., January 21, I got the phone call that my son James Barry Isom died of a heart attack at home while watching TV, paramedics couldn't revive him. He was 52 years old, living in Redondo Beach with his wife Kellie.

I cannot tell you what a horrible shock that was to all of us, all his family and friends.  Just terrible. A month has passed now, too much to repeat again here, for I've written it as I felt it each day on my Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.mcmullen.buckley .  You may take a look there if you wish.

Now I'm trying to return to my life ... my writer's life, my gardening life, my traveling life ... and all the rest. I'll be taking a trip next month to England and France, a trip that had been planned long before January 21, and I am truly looking forward to it more than ever. I'm going alone and plan to do some reflection and research, rest and recreation ... as well as visit with my dear friends Ali and Martin Weller in Weymouth, Dorset.  In fact you can follow me as I travel on my travel blog - link is on top left.

It's been tough going this past month, but the pain has lessened somewhat, the sobbing has stopped, although the tears haven't. Had a bout today. Each day is easier. What gets me the most is that I'll never see my firstborn again. He was a dear son, one of those who always thought about his mother, you know the kind? Always called and came to visit when he could. I love and miss him very much. I do.

Just wanted to write a few words ... saw the date of my last post and it gave me a jolt.  I must have posted it that afternoon before I got the phone call from my daughter.  So sad ... for all of us ...