Tracie the turtle

Thanks to all who have sent messages or called with condolences since the last post. Chris and Valerie's funeral weekend was a tragic and ugly and surreal and horrifying and emotionally draining several days. It was spent in Grayson, Kentucky, where the countryside is beautiful if you can see it around the trailers and doublewides in various states of decay. The confederate flags and the dogs and chickens are everywhere. The people talk funny, and apparently everyone is somehow related to my grandmother, and therefore, me.

While in Kentucky, and since I've been back, I find that I just want to completely withdraw into myself. Free time is spent lying very still remembering time spent with Chris or Valerie or sometimes just not thinking about anything at all. I'm trying to force myself to seek out friends and family, but I don't actually want to see or speak with anyone. If I haven't called or responded to your message, please don't be offended.