They let me go, use the FMLA to take off three months from work. HR assured me that I would be alright taking time off after he passed, in order to start settling his earthly affairs. That never happened. So I write from home, jobless after nearly a year.
My sis met me at the airport. She is almost eight years younger, the family baby. I had known she needed me much before that time. But social work in child welfare doesn't lend itself to anyone taking any time off. Not without being completely caught up on all home visits, court reports, court hearings, progress notes, etc.
I felt joyous and melancholy at once, seeing her sadly smiling face at the airport. We caught up on his failing condition during the drive to his home in Sun City.