on a different note

Five years ago today, Dad and Mom gave a three-footed black cat an airline ticket to California and sent him on his way. Happy "birthday", Pepper.

the obituary

Major John Buncak
(US Army Ret)

Trinway - Major John W. Buncak, 69, of Trinway, died Tuesday morning January 5, 2010 at his home.

Major Buncak was born June 11, 1940 in Waukegan, IL, a son of the late Stephen and Irene Buncak. He retired from the US Army in 1979, after serving his country for twenty years. Major Buncak and his wife Sharon then returned to Sharon’s home in Ohio, where they lived until his death.

Surviving are two daughters, Stacey Gladman of Palo Alto, CA, Jennifer Stewart of Dresden; two brothers, Robert (Bobby) Buncak, Thomas (Tom) Buncak; and two sisters, Lonah Buncak and Cindy Ahola. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion and wife, Sharon, and his brother Stephen.

John was a very self-determined man who greatly enjoyed sharing life with his wife, and who looked forward to being with her again. He asked that no cards or flowers be sent; instead, his girls ask that you indulge in one smartass moment with a smile on your face for John.

Friends may call 6-8PM January 8th, 2010 at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home. Military Funeral Honors will be held at 8PM at the funeral home.

[online version - courtesy of Vensil-Orr & Chute]
[online version - courtesy of Zanesville Times Recorder]

he's gone

Love you, da...

rough night

Another no-sleep night, toss, turn. And to quote Dad, Murphy's Law hit: trains whoo-whooing through at 3am, again at 4am, then snowplows scraping and backup-beeping at 5am, then another train around 6am. I know Dad was up for a while in the wee hours too, but at least for the moment, he's soundly asleep on the couch, snoring away. Funny how a sound that is usually considered annoying can be actually rather comforting in the right circumstances...

a message for the saylor clan

Things are going to be a bit hectic in the next days/weeks/months, so I want to take a moment while I can and say something to the Saylors:

Thank you. Your empathy, support, hugs, commiseration, validation, and love have meant a lot to me. Not just during this trip, but for most of my life...as long as I can remember, you've all been there for me, cheering me on, keeping me humble, and giving me a touchstone in tough times. Through happy times, sad times, smooth sailing, and drama-ridden seas, you've been there, and I'm lucky to have you as family.

I'm not even sure if any of you read my little online diary here, but if you do, can you please pass on my love and thanks to the others? I'm also trying to do it in person as much as I can while I'm here...I want you all to know that your love and support are very much appreciated.

Love you guys...

small town

Went for a walk last night...forgot how small this town is, hit the end of it in less than 10 minutes [seriously...after the train tracks, there's pretty much nothing for miles]. Kind of made the 'take a long walk to clear the head and work things through' effort a bit fruitless, though I did get a bit of a smile at the reminder of how tiny this little hamlet is. And I'll take a smile, however small, where I can get it...

an unexpected gift

Seeing the new year in with my father...worth more to me than anyone will ever know.

stupid monkeys

Quite literally zero hours of sleep tonight. Brain monkeys keep eeping and jumping about, keeping the annoyingly unreliable sleep pixie from visiting. It's about 5am now...I keep hoping she'll get over her fear of primates and come by. Crossing fingers...

choice

''The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny...it is the light that guides your way.''

--Heraclitus, Greek philosopher

[found in, of all places, an article by Doc Jensen about "LOST"]

bittersweet

Just spent the evening working with Dad on his playlist of songs he wants to be played at his funeral when the time comes. Very hard, very emotional for both of us, but I wouldn't have traded it for the world...it's another memory I'm going to carry with me for a very long time, of a very personal and meaningful time I shared with my father.

Thank you, da.