Rest In Peace: Virginia Kathryn Toland October 11 1926 - March 10 2011

Virginia's Mom passed away Thursday March 10th. One is never prepared for the news that your Mother (or Father) has passed away. Perhaps there is little surprise, especially if your parent is elderly or has medical problems. But the finality brought by the news still is a shock. Dealing with the loss of a parent is unlike any other loss you're likely to have. You're now separated from someone you've known your entire life.

Helping Virginia through this process, I enjoyed watching the family dynamic that developed among her brothers and sisters. There was no shortage of cooperation and teamwork to tackle all the arrangements, details, decisions that instantly push all other personal, professional and parental endeavors aside.

From Oregon, Missouri and other local areas they came together to address everything as a family. No rifts, no divisions, no grudges, no animosity. In fact it was quite the opposite.

Despite the loss, sadness and occasional tears - there was a great silver lining that we all enjoyed tremendously: A sudden and unexpected family reunion that included all the great stuff that loving reunions provide. Laughter, stories, kids, family dinners, visiting here and there & lots of catching up. All under the skies of some beautiful Southern California weather.

My own family is on the opposite coast and don't get to be with them as often as I'd like. For the most part Virginia and her brothers and sisters are what I have for all things "family" for which it's a joy to be a member.