Annapolis, MD (USA)

[today was a sad day, as I said goodbye to one of my friends (Chris) - Erin had said she wanted to go with me to the funeral in Annapolis, so I picked her up at 0845 and we drove to the Naval Academy - Erin asked me a lot of questions about Chris during the drive - she also helped me find the entrance to the Academy and we located the Chapel by about 1015 - it was rainy and cold but Erin wanted to get something to eat and we walked a short distance to the 1845 Coffee Shop - I got her some hot chocolate and a snack and we talked about the Maryland Statehouse, which we could see just outside the gate - by 1045, we went back to the church and I helped Melissa and her boys to carry things inside - Erin and I paid our respects to the family and then settled into some seats near the front - the service went from 1100 until about noon - I gave one of the eulogies and Erin was very comforting and encouraging - afterwards, we drove to the Columbarium to attend the inurnment - lots of our mutual friends were there, braving the elements - once that was complete, we went to the Officers Club for a reception - I talked to a lot of people and Erin patiently waited with some of my friends - she later joined me in my rounds and met some of the family (including Chris’ daughters) - we left for home by about 1500 and made good time to Alexandria - I thanked Erin for coming and supporting me - we talked about the funeral and the loss of family members - I was very glad she'd come with me today - I dropped her off at Van Dorn Street at about 1615 so she could ride the Metro to attend her evening class]