A few weeks ago I told the list that our first and long-awaited
granddaughter Zoe had been born and died the same day.  It was totally
unexpected and a devastating shock, and things have been pretty strange
since.  I've been hurt some in my life, but never so comprehensively run
through with so little warning.

Many people sent messages of concern and support which were a great comfort
to me when I badly needed some, and I thank you all from my heart.  Three
folks in particular wrote me with great kindness and empathy which touched
me deeply -- I want to publicly thank "Aristotle Sagan" and George Goff and
Bob Donalds for exposing their hearts beyond the call of duty.  I took
enormous comfort and strength from it.  Thank you again, gentlemen.

RVC -- "Dutiful Passage" got us safely from RI sixteen hours to the corner
of West Virginia and Ohio at about 80 per except in the mountains, sat
there looking homely and comforting for the week and a half we were in
Marietta (OH), brought us home, and gave a safe and snug haven when I
totally lost it from both physical and emotional exhaustion about the time
we reached CT on the way back (it was nice that the weigh station wasn't
operating, too, but I didn't greatly care at that point...).

Glory be to God for all things...and again, thank you all.  To those who
misunderstood the situation originally, I humbly beg pardon for using
language that was perfectly clear to me, but not to some.  Gallows humor
can also give strength, and rest assured that I was considerably if
somewhat grimly amused by the whole thing.

david