Speed,

I am so sorry for your loss. I have been reading on here and staying silent lately, but want to reach out to you. My brother in laws mother passed a way 2 months ago, she was not that old. They are Vietnamese and Buddhist. I found the way they approach death very comforting, it is much different than the western ways. They do just celebrate the life of the person, remember what the person did here in this life. Because they believe in reincarnation, and tho you or I may not. They seem to understand that the person is just moving onto the next phase, and they embrace it in a peaceful calm manor, they seems to know that the person is indeed ok, and that the person is just continuing on the path that is meant for them to travel, whatever the reason is.. and we would never know that part.

But even if you believe in god, and might not understand the plan for your son. We can try to understand that he has just passed to a different phase, that you indeed can celebrate his life, and how he touched yours. Know that he is ok. I think in the buddhist tradition they try not to hold onto the person, to keep from holding that person back from their next phase, it's the holding onto the person that makes us feel so much suffering. It did seem to me that the more they could try to let the person go with understanding that the less suffering they too seemed to experience.

I don't know if that helps any. It was new to me, but very beautiful. Do know that we are with in spirit. You are not alone, lean on us for strength when you need too. Please don't worry about being a good host, I am sure this would be the last thing to enter your family's minds at this time. Can you ask for any help with some of the tasks, I am sure they would be more than happy and able to help you in your time of need Speed.

I am thinking of you and Jason, sending you millions of hugs, strength and healing.