April 23, 2014. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Friends.

The Mississippi friends have been marvelous to Christina and to the girls as well as to the friends and relatives who have come for the funeral and to mourn the death of Andrew. They have literally and figuratively wrapped their arms around us all with strong arms of love. Since an hour of Andrew's death, food began arriving to the door, given by close friends and from others that they knew very little. And they have filled the home with love. It has been very impressive to a stoic Canadian. Katie, Cindy and Katie took over the kitchen and provided dinners for Sunday and Monday evenings at Andrew and Christina's home. Hoards of people came by to express regrets, and to stay for dinner along with all the arriving relatives and friends. Last evening, Eleanor and Jim gave an event to honor Andrew, held at their beautiful home which is in the country. 70 people and 25 children attended, all because they love Andrew and Christina. I knew them all from past events. This group of loving caring people will provide comfort and support and love for Christina and the girls over the coming years. I feel it in my bones. And this evening, three lady friends brought dinner, so Christina, Ken and me, David and the three ladies dined on home made soup, home made bread and homemade chocolate cake, sitting around the coffee table enjoying each other's company. I can not think of a better place than Jackson, Mississippi to be struck by tragedy. These good loving folks seem to understand grief, and I am grateful.