Today
I attended mwbard's visitation today. There were a good crowd of family in attendance, though I seemed to be the only friend, aside from a local man (a childhood friend, I think) who had not seen mwbard in some time. The family was clearly celebrating his interests. They had a framed copy of one of the fan anthologies he was published in, with his name as the headlining author. They had displays of steampunk miniatures, model-building awards, and painted spaceships. He is to be buried with a copy of the Jerry Pournelle / Larry Niven novel, The Gripping Hand. And, among the photos displayed was one of him and Jacob.
I spoke to his mother and father for a few minutes. His father laughed and asked if I was one of Michael's friends from "outer space," and I said I supposed I was. I told his mother that he'd seemed very happy over the last year, and she said she'd heard the same thing from other of his friends.
I wandered the place for a bit, looking at a photo presentation and at the displays, then headed home.
I spoke to his mother and father for a few minutes. His father laughed and asked if I was one of Michael's friends from "outer space," and I said I supposed I was. I told his mother that he'd seemed very happy over the last year, and she said she'd heard the same thing from other of his friends.
I wandered the place for a bit, looking at a photo presentation and at the displays, then headed home.