Charles Dickens was right

 

It is the best of times and the worst of times.

 

The best of times?  My beloved niece Niki is marrying an amazing man (Mike) and, thanks to the kindness of friends who will act as Gary’s caregiver, I’m able to go to the wedding and share in their joyous celebration.   I haven’t been on an overnight trip for 7 years – seven! – and as Gary’s dementia worsened, there were days I wasn’t even free enough to go to the mailbox.  Having the opportunity to go away for 2 days, to witness the realization of Niki and Mike’s love, to spend time with family including all my nieces and nephews and to leave all my responsibilities behind – well, it truly is the best of times.

Meanwhile…

Gary’s condition has deteriorated rapidly.  So rapidly, that his counselor determined that now was the time for her to reach out to Gary’s son to tell him if he had anything he wanted to say to Gary now would be a good time to do that.  That was a few weeks ago and, somewhat surprisingly, the son hasn’t reached out at all.
 
So…. For my family?  A wedding.
For Gary’s family?  Speak now or forever hold your peace.