Celebration

Yesterday was the party in celebration of markbourne. kateyule and davidlevine were up from Portland and stayed at my place to attend the event. We took it easy Friday night, ran errands and went to see The Hunger Games on Saturday morning, had lunch, then headed over to West Seattle for the event. Somewhere shortly after lunch, I began to feel tense and a little freaked out. I wanted things to go well for e_bourne's sake, and I kept thinking of little things that might fail, people that might not handle the event well, and being sure that we were sending Mark off in proper style.

As soon as we got to the venue, I found myself unable to actually carry on a conversation. I kind of felt like I was wrapped in cotton, so rather than trying to work with anyone, I limited myself to making and putting up signs so people could find the room in the building. My inability to have a real conversation lasted through about an hour of socializing--many good and dear friends were at the event, none of whom I seemed to be able to converse with in any meaningful manner--and then Greg Bear, acting as the master of ceremonies, got up, introduced people who wished to speak, then encouraged others to speak as well. A number of people told great stories about Mark, and said kind and true things and some very funny things as well. I spoke a little. There was a lot of love in the room, and it felt exactly right. I read a story of Mark's aloud, "The Case of the Detective's Smile," which was well received. And then we showed a clip from a Marx Brothers movie, one of Mark's favorites. And then we wrapped the night.

David, Kate and I intended to attend an afterparty at a local drinking establishment, but I hit the wall when we arrived. David took me in hand and drove us back to my place. Kate made tea and David made me eat a light dinner. And that was the day.

And so now we move into the new normal, whatever that may be. I still miss Mark. I will always miss Mark.