I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words. The support I have gotten from everyone is gratifying.
Later this morning, I have to go make the arrangements. My in-laws are taking me.
Only a few of my on-line friends know that I am raising my kids alone right now because my husband is serving time for a felony. My in-laws are being incredibly supportive. At least I have family and friends around me -- my husband is forced to deal with it alone and at a distance.
My youngest is taking this very hard. He is ten and shared a room with Paul, so now he doesn't want to sleep in there. My daughter Renata, the big sister, is taking it the way any teen would and regretting every argument and disagreement they ever had. Together, we will make it. Last night the three of us curled up together in my bed to sleep. No one wanted to try to sleep alone.
My sister-in-law has posted the text of the newpaper article
here if anyone is interested. One of the best pictures ever taken of him graces her icon. It was one of the few times anyone got a picture of his genuine smile instead of his forced 'photo smile'.