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Praetorium Honoris

Monday, July 3, 2023

Well.....Scheiße!

 Good morning, fellow Chanters!

Gonna be a short one this week and, unfortunately, my normal humorous/glib tongue won't be making much of an appearance.

First the good news.  Miss B's surgery which replaced her nasal feed tube with a feed tube inserted into her stomach was successful and appears to be doing wonders for her.  It's only been a few days, but she  seems more aware of where she is and what's around her.

 


She also seems to have developed interests in other things.

Mom, I'd like to try a sip of that Chardonnay

In the above photo, Mrs J and LJW had decided I needed to go to our Winemaker Friends release party for their new Chardonnay and Cabernet releases. 

And that requirement is due to the bad news.

So, there we were, downtown San Antonio at the hospital the day prior to Miss B's release.  This past Wednesday for those keeping track.  Nice and peaceful visit.  Miss B is in a great mood.  All is well in the world.

Then, Mrs. J gets a phone call from one of our neighbors.  "Why is there an ambulance and Sheriff cars on your property?"

Since I'm looking at 4 of the 6 beings that live on the property, only my Sister and her housemate are on the property to answer questions.  So, I pick up my phone and call my sister.

Her housemate answers.

"juvat, your sister's dead! I need you here."

Well....Scheiße!

Mrs. J and I run to the car and head back home.  While enroute, I get a call from one of the Sheriff's deputies who's at the house.  I explain our situation and ETA and he fills us in on what's happening and asks what funeral home we want to use.  Good thing Mrs. J is in the car.  The modulating device between what I was thinking and what should come out of my mouth was broken.  Since we're on speaker, she answers for me.  

Thank you, Dear, sincerely.

He also mentions that the Justice of the Peace is enroute and will want to talk to us.  

75 miles and San Antonio traffic are between us and them.  Made it in under an hour.

The deputies (there were 2) meet us out in the yard and tell us the JP is finishing up his investigation, could we wait outside?

The JP comes out shortly thereafter and asks a few questions, nothing out of the ordinary, not that I would know what ordinary is.  He says he does not know the cause of death, but it doesn't appear to be suspicious.  However, he can't be sure without an autopsy.  Do we want one?

Remember that short circuit in my brain?  A four letter word rhyming with truck and a yes are starting down the path to my tongue, when the switch diverts it to another track and "Hell, yes!" comes out.  

"OK, but it could take up to 6 weeks to complete." Later I would learn this is a big problem across the southern border and is a result of a large influx of immigrants.  Not that LEGAL immigration is a problem, but...

A few minutes later the rep from the funeral home arrives.  I'd been pretty much under control up to now.

I completely lost it when they brought her out of the house. 

One final comment on this ordeal.  Over the last couple of days, we've been through most of her papers and have yet to find any Will or any other indications of what she wanted to happen after her passing.

Folks, if you don't have final instructions in order, dealing with the death of a family member is hard enough as it is, and I know nobody wants to think about it, but have some compassion for the people you will be leaving behind.  Just GET IT DONE!  Amazon has several different "workbooks" that can help you help your loved ones get through this.  This is the one I have.

Meeting and greeting, the two Black Dogs (plus one that didn't want to be photographed) are ours.  The three others are about to join our family.  This soiree' was intended to see if they'd get along.  Went well. Still have to check how they react to and treat the cats before they're officially adopted.

Happier times last Christmas.

Brothers and Sister

Rest in Peace, Lisa.


76 comments:

  1. Sorry for your loss, we are of that age and my sister's health has complications, I fear the same type of event.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon,
      Thanks, while it seems that wishing good luck is inappropriate in these events, I hope things go smoothly and you get a chance to inquire where certain "things" (AKA documents) may be located. And fix them if they don't exist. I wish I could time travel back a week or two.

      Delete
  2. Ah juvat, please accept my most since condolences on the loss of your sister. Hoping the new pups are cat friendly. A good link there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nylon,
      Thanks, I appreciate the thoughts. 2 out of the 3 dogs should have not problem. The golden retriever has a bit of an excitable nature to him. That's our concern. We'll see what the Doc recommends.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. StB,
      Thanks. Getting over the shock part, now it's just "woulda, coulda, shouda" time. This too shall pass.
      juvat

      Delete
  4. Bless your hearts.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So sorry for your loss, good advice on the will and wishes.

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    Replies
    1. Anon,
      Thanks. Hopefully the advice will prevent someone else from going through this same mess and just need to deal with the loss.
      juvat

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  6. Crusty Old TV Tech here. Sincerest condolences for the unexpected loss of your sister Juvat.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My condolences to you and your family. Glad that MissB is doing well. May that bright spot bring some joy during your grief.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BillB,
      Yeah, both granddaughters are wonderful mood enhancers. I'm sure grandson will follow in their footsteps. They definitely are bright spots.
      Thanks.
      juvat

      Delete
  8. So sorry for your loss. Good reminder; I know we have all of that info together, but expecting she'll be using it, I don't know where it is. Or I've forgotten.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HTom,
      The pamphlet I mentioned handles that problem as it's got a section to list where things are kept. One of the things that didn't occur to me until I re-read it and went through it this week is computer access. My opinion is a small notebook with passwords and PINs in it stored in a safe deposit box in a reliable bank. Then put that info in your pamphlet. That and the paperwork assigning your trustee will make the bank have to open it, and things will get a lot easier.
      Thanks,
      juvat

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. Thanks, Cap'n, I appreciate it.
      juvat

      Delete
  10. I'm at a loss for words, please accept my condolences and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarge,
      Thanks, Boss! I appreciate it.

      Delete
  11. That sucks big brown horse apples. Consider yourself hugged by me.

    O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which she has committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth.

    For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servant who has fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen

    May He Who arose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the prayers of His all-pure Mother; of the holy, glorious and all laudable Apostles; of our holy and God-bearing Fathers; and of all the saints; establish the soul of His servant who has been taken from us, in the mansion of the righteous; give her rest in Abraham’s bosom, and number her among the just; and have mercy on us, forasmuch as He is good and loves mankind.

    Grant rest eternal in blessed repose, O Lord, to Thy servant who has fallen asleep, and make her memory to be eternal!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-FdhLoFgkc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe,
      What a beautiful prayer1 Thank you for taking the time to include it. My eyes got a little leaky, but I appreciate it.
      juvat

      Delete
    2. Juvat, if I was in any way able to ease your mind by posting that, I'm blessed. Take care, my friend.

      Delete
    3. Joe,
      It was a helpful reminder about "things", and I appreciate it.
      juvat

      Delete
  12. My condolences to you all. Good news that the nipper is improving.

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    Replies
    1. Anon,
      Thanks. Yeah she seems to be firing on more cylinders now. Really looking forward to the walking, talking stage.
      juvat

      Delete
  13. Juvat, Sincere condolences and prayers of comfort to you and the family from Beate & I. Although I didn't visit her place of employment frequently like my spouse, Lisa always greeted me with a friendly Hi, Cletus.
    Cletus

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cletus,
      Yeah, she had her moments (does any sibling not?) but she had my back. Hopefully, she felt the same.
      juvat

      Delete
  14. Requiscat in Pace, Lisa.

    Prayers up for you and your family, Juvat. And thanks for the sprinkling of good news to start the article.

    As a general comment, I cannot emphasize Juvat's comment about having your final instructions and wishes in order. It really is for the people left after we die, even though it can be very uncomfortable to ponder.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THBB,
      Thanks,
      I'm not positive, but I think our Winemaker Friends and My Ladies were in cahoots. There were about 16 people there back in the back of the winery, sipping wine and telling stories. All of them had been on past Wine Cruises Mrs J had set up for the Winemakers. So all friends. Just a bunch of folks telling stories, laughing. Lisa didn't get brought up until we got ready to leave and then they offered their condolences. So they knew but I got a couple of hours reprieve. Much needed.
      juvat

      Delete
    2. I suspect you are correct Juvat. This is usually the way of things.

      Delete
    3. Very good friends and family. Sometimes in troubled times one needs a brain vacation. Glad you had one.

      Delete
  15. Ach! Juvat, my heart aches for you over this.
    Lova-Love...
    BBC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BBC,
      Thanks, I appreciate the thoughts.
      juvat

      Delete
  16. My prayers for you and your family, and more so for the shock of the unexpected.

    I already know I'm the executor for my mother's estate (she's 90) and so have built a "crash box" with all the paperwork, contacts, and directions I'll need so I can throw it in the trunk of the car without having to think too much.

    /
    L.J.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. L.J. Sounds like you were in Scouting. Well done. I was the executor in my Dad's estate. He was much the same as your mother appears to be. Suffice it to say, I fretted an order of magnitude less on his estate than I have this past 5 days on my sister. Hence, the "get your act together" tone of this post.
      Thanks, yeah the unexpected aspect was a double whammy.
      juvat

      Delete
  17. Anyone who has lost a loved one can feel what you are facing. Something that might help. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=665185328987068&set=a.415968480575422

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WSF,
      Thanks, good info on that site.
      juvat

      Delete
  18. condolences on the loss of your sister

    ReplyDelete
  19. Juvat and family- Condolences and prayers on your loss. It's always hard, but even more so when it is unexpected. You will handle well, albeit not without sorrow, grief and regrets.
    Thanks for the reminder and tips that the rest of us should heed.
    John Blackshoe

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    Replies
    1. JB,
      Thanks. Please do heed and take care of things. We're fast running out of places to look and that's going to force us down a "Court" path which will probably cause more anguish than should be required. It's hard to get mad at a deceased person. It's not that hard to get mad at someone who's trying his best to be fair but has limits to what can be done. BTDT.
      juvat

      Delete
  20. Sakes, brother. Well done on getting their quickly and safely. Keeping your head until that moment is a good thing too. You're a good man. Your care of your family shows that without any doubt. I'm praying specifically that the paperwork and legalities will be smooth and effortless. And that you will be comforted and encouraged.

    Now that my sturm und drang has calmed down, I need to update the SK paperwork and figure out what goes where. It's a timely reminder. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. STxAR,
      Thanks, Brother! The fun and games start Friday. We're meeting with our lawyer to see how to proceed. We should also start getting the interim documents after the 4th. Taken care of some of the big things (such as they are), but ...gonna be a long road.
      juvat

      Delete
  21. My prayers for you and the family. May she rest in peace.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, man, that... sucks. No warning from what I can infer. Sucks even more. Condolences to you and yours from Mrs. Andrew and me.

    Goldens are kind of happy airheads. But he/she should settle down no problem. Just energetic in ways small dogs can't be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beans,
      Thanks, Yep, sucks is a good word.
      Bentley seems more anxious than happy go lucky. But he's got some health issues and we're taking him to the vet to get (hopefully) taken care of. The two great Pyrenees, other than being large and gonna be large, are pretty cool. As long as they can get along with the cats, things will be fine. Although the Tabby, might just be able to take them. They're not declawed, so a couple of good swipes across the nose might just let the dogs know who's boss.
      juvat

      Delete
  23. Miss Jeanie and I are sorry for your loss and more particularly the timing! The good overwhelms the bad. The newest generation is growing and getting healthier. We pray the the LORD will comfort you and yours in this time of mixed emotions. Understanding God's permissive will is hard. In these cases, the Word is Trust!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LtFuzz,
      Believe me, that is what's keeping me going. Had quite a few long conversations with him recently.
      juvat

      Delete
  24. Prayers for you and yours in this time of sorrow. May God grant you and yours peace.
    - Barry

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  25. About Last Wills and such, when my wife's grandmother passed we were the ones to tidy things up. We searched for a will, or a phone number for an attorney, anything. Turned the place upside down.

    I took a stack of old newspapers that was in a corner and was about to throw it out and thought, "What the heck," and set about restacking it just in case. Two-thirds of the way down I found her hand-written will that had been witnessed by her neighbors.

    Don't just make a will, give copies to several people. If you had a lawyer help writing it, make sure your executor, relatives, etc. know how to contact him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon, That last paragraph is important. If the people that need to know where it is, don't, you're only slightly better off than if you didn't have one at all. We finished looking through her papers today. Nada! So...This should be interesting.

      Delete
  26. Juvar, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your sister.
    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

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    Replies
    1. Mary F.
      Thank you very much. I appreciate the prayer.
      juvat

      Delete
  27. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your sudden loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers for healing in due course.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mark. All prayers are deeply appreciated.
      juvat

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  28. Sorry for your loss. You are absolutely correct on the need for end of life documents. We lost my Sister last November and I'm going through the hassle. I got a scare myself a bit over a week ago. I'm in the process of preparing my documents.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon,
      Thanks and I'm sorry for yours as well. Glad you're ok and recognized the nudge from up above.
      juvat

      Delete
  29. Juvat, my deepest sympathies on your loss. DJBH

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  30. Truly sorry for the loss of your dear sister. A death in the family is hard enough, but for it to be so sudden and unexpected has to make it worse. It was for my wife when her father passed unexpectedly. Numbness followed by sadness. I'll say prayers for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tuna,
      Yeah, pretty much the way I feel.
      Prayers are good, thanks.
      juvat

      Delete
  31. Oh Juvat,--consider yourself the receiver of a HUGE hug!!! That is a terrible way to find out a loved one is gone. I lost a dearly loved mother-in-law like that. Just a bolt out of the blue. The numbness and shock really can rock your world. And I would second the paperwork getting settled. She had nothing set up. When my Mom passed a month and a half ago, it was such a relief to have everything set up and organized...but then Mom was always like that...must have been that executive secretary training.
    Good news about Miss B--well, except I think she is just a little bit young for the wine just yet...maybe wait until she's 2?? Cause ya know, of being a premie of course...
    Thoughts and prayers for you, your brother and all of your family. And the dogs--it must be so very hard for them to have "their human" to be suddenly gone...

    Suz

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    Replies
    1. Suz,
      Thanks, as usual, you hit the nail on the head. Lot of sad, a little bit of mad and a touch of WTF do I do now.
      Re: Miss B...as you may have suspected, that was more curiosity on her part. I think it was the light dancing through the wine that caught her attention. Possibly a dipped finger when she gets all her tubes and such disconnected. Two might be the right milestone.
      It's interesting to see the dog's reaction. The pup is as energetic as ever. (Need to clip his nails, Bandages all over my arms. Darn Blood thinners.) Took the Retriever to the Vet today, he's got some skin problems. He was cool, calm and collected. So, maybe, just maybe, he's settling in. I'm a little worried about the adult Grand Pyrenees. He's not his enthusiastic self. He guarded his Mom when all the folks were in the house. Tomorrow we'll do a little cat familiarization testing and see how they (both sides) do. Hopefully....
      Thanks.
      juvat

      Delete
  32. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts to you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Juvat,
    I'm saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
    Respectfully,
    ArmChairExpert1332

    ReplyDelete
  34. So hard to lose a close family member. Sincere condolences and prayers as you all work through the grieving process.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Juvat, SO sorry for your loss of your sister....

    May she rest in Peace.


    Gfrey
    Matthew 5:4
    Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gfrey,
      Thanks, and I certainly hope so. Been a long week.
      juvat

      Delete

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