I’m still getting a handle on the fact that someone who I’d known since he was six years old is dead.

To be honest though, I never expected him to live a full life and make it to old age.

However, part of me remained cynical that he would outlive me. As they say, the good die young, and, well…

Now I have to concern myself with things like what cremation jewelry he will go in or be part of, and those are uncomfortable thoughts. I’m already set to receive a cremation necklace that has some of his ashes in it that I picked out for my oldest son whenever his aunt gets around to filling it or having it filled and sent back to me. She has all the time in the world. I don’t want to stress her out or cause her any sort of distress here.