Sunday with Church, Funeral, EMTs and D&D

Sunday was an exciting day, and I played many roles. I did not finish the blog until the afternoon. I rose around 7:30 as I had plenty of time before the service at 11, but I planned to be there at 10:30 as Dondrea was traveling today and Pastor Ken had a funeral after the service. I had a set of cookies and a large pound cake from Costco in Air VW the Gray, which I purchased yesterday for the funeral. I wrote for a while, showered, shaved, and dressed for church. Grays and blues with a pride tie. I took a more somber tie for the funeral to change after the service.

I arrived after the previous service; we rented out the church sanctuary and other rooms to another church, which was finishing up. I carried in the cookies and cake (and a tie). I ushered for the service and was busy, as some folks needed help. I greeted the folks who came early for the funeral while our Methodist service was still running. I offered them chairs in the back and coffee.

I cannot recount much of the service except that I borrowed a lighter, looked for a candle lighter (an old school long brass pole-like thing), and calmly walked to the altar while the music was playing from our Praise Band. I lit the candles without flashing the lighter and tried to look like an acolyte. The older members who knew this was a kid’s job smiled at me as I walked back, trying to look serious. I will have to find one of the old school brass candle lighters!

Pastor Ken’s words, those I can recall as I was busy seating folks and helping others with various issues (it is best to keep those events silent, as there are others to tell), were about community and that we should be about helping people and know, despite the pressures for social media and right-wing Christian groups, it is not about demanding fulfiing our own desires or fears, but about the usual things: Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick of body and mind, and building a community of sharing.

I was busy (and the 2AM bedtime was having me live off of adrenaline, which will explain the EMT adventure later). I worked with Pastor Ken and the family for the funeral to get things arranged, and we were able to flow from the church service, coffee time, and then to a 12:30 service. I ushered again. Two pews full of Masons, most in dark suits and the usual metals, name tags, and polite manners they are known for, would finish the service with a short Masonic memory of a departed brother. Ken started the funeral, and I directed people to pews, bathrooms, coffee, and got some water for some.

It was a funeral, in a word, kind, and it went off without any issues. There were no failed mics or procedural missteps. The couple, Winn and Byron, remembered, and I ushered and watched. Cake and cookies were offered after, along with juice and coffee.

I headed out once they left after 2. The family seemed to want to just linger. I believe they had not seen each other often and knew they would soon all be headed home once they left the church. I remember the same feeling at Susie’s service in Michigan. Linda and I had to catch a plane; we were the first to leave. I waited until nearly 2 before turning off the lights, and they then headed on.

Next, I headed to the nearby Red Robin in the EV. They had a sign that they had an equipment failure and were serving a limited menu. I asked, and it did include their spicy chicken breast platter (lower calories, too), but no fries were available. It was perfect for me, stuffed with cookies, coffee, and pound cake. I sat at the bar, and Coda served me; he remembered me. I had a Sam Adams beer and enjoyed the platter and salad.

I paid and walked out. In the Red Robin lobby, an older woman was sitting there. I had seen her earlier and asked her if she was OK. She was locked out of her car and waiting for help. She was fine, but did accept a Coke with ice that I got from the bartender (no charge). She thanked me and said she was fine. The folks at Red Robin were also watching her; I took her word and left. She had a phone and it was charged.

I was feeling a bit off and took the EV home. My face had frozen, and my eye was not blinking correctly. I had either a relapse of Bell’s Palsy from the brain surgery a year ago or something much worse. I chatted with Deborah and then called 911. After all my experiences with strokes, getting help there by myself was prudent. Soon, the fire department and ambulance arrived. They checked me out and said I had no visible signs of a stroke. They left, and I was feeling better–not likely a stroke. Indeed, it was more likely leftovers from brain tumor surgery–funny how those words would not usually be reassuring. Furthermore, after cancer, diabetes, and a brain tumor–a little Bell’s Palsy seems minor.

I suspect an MRI and/or just anti-virals and anti-inflammation drugs are in my future. This did not start until allergy season.

Aside: I sent a note to my doc today. I already have an appointment for Thursday.

I contacted Matt, and he arranged for Karyn to pick me up (it’s best not to drive). Soon, I was not alone. I was able to speak, think, and play Dungeons and Dragons. Definitely not a stroke.

With various superpowers granted from various D&D-themed deities, we finally destroyed Vecna. It was a hard fight, but the villain did not block my high-level cleric’s healing spell. That allowed us to pile on damage and finish this. This was about a two-year campaign of multiple materials. We were able to carry our space-faring character to this multi-universe saving story.

We next started on the new campaign, Quests from the Infinite Staircase. This is premade material, and Matt, our DM, was gifted the Beadle and Grims set to play this material. This is a premium experience, and Matt uses his own physical setup. He has the best toys.

We started on our way; details cannot be shared, but we played to our strengths. This time, we were a sneak-and-run group. We avoided risky battles and overcame a few items with careful planning and contingencies. We are back to the first level and have reached the second level of the adventure without loss.

Scott took me home. Despite having a burger at Matt’s (thanks, M@), I made a bagel with cream cheese for a snack. After ensuring coffee in the morning, I went to bed and quickly fell asleep. I woke up with leg cramps and proof of hydration. I managed to sleep in on Monday.

I am feeling much better now.

Thanks for reading!