Just like that... She's gone!

Today's been a very rough day. My Mate took the bus to work and like most days while Neeper has been here, I returned home and started answering email and checking the to do items I had for the day.

My Mate Beeped* me, like always, when he stepped off the bus, but asked me to call him back instead of just using the radio.

The conversation went some like this:

Lesa~Dragon: Hi Dub**, what's up?
My Mate: I had a call from Mouse while I was on the bus.
Lesa~Dragon: Uh-oh, is everything ok?
My Mate: She said My Mother is dead.
Dragon: What?
Mate: My Mother is dead.
Dragon: How? When?
Mate: I guess she was having trouble breathing last night and went to the hospital. The Doctor called this morning and told Mouse she died in the night.
Dragon: Oh My God! No.
Mate: Yeah.
Dragon: Where are you? I'll come pick you up.
Mate: On the street. Yes, please.
Dragon: Ok, go to the office, and let them know what happened, and I'll be there to pick you up as soon as I can. I'll call when I'm close.
Mate: Yea, I'll go pick up the van first, then go into work.
Dragon: I'm on my way, be there as soon as I can.
Mate: Ok.
Dragon: Dub?
Mate: Yes, Dub?
Dragon: I Love You.
Mate: Thanks. Come get me.
Dragon: On my way.

JEast was gone? I was stunned,and turned circles for at least a full minute trying to decide if I should change out of my PJ's or just go. I went down the hall to brush the sleep out of my hair and pull it back, when my Roomie cracked open her door and asked if everything was alright. Apparently she heard my exclamations and was curious, thinking there was a new Neeper development. I told her as quickly and quietly as I could, Neeper's bedroom is right next door, and then dashed off to the city to pick up My Mate.

I called my Mom (as yet not nicknamed) on the way, and left a message on her cell phone. I asked her not to call back after a certain time, sure I'd have My Mate in the car with me, but when she called back I was still in traffic. I BAWLED while driving on I-5, talking to my Mom about My Mate's loss, our loss really, and trying to explain all the things that have happened with the Neeper over the last couple years. She didn't have any idea how Springer like things had been. I don't know if we will have the $ to send My Mate and Neeper back for a service, and if I had to tap into the International Bank of Dragon's Mom and Dad - I figured they needed to know ASAP.

Then I called a Co-worker in LittleApples and told him I had to cancel our weekly Power Hour meeting. He was very understanding and offered any assistance needed. He's a great guy.

I called My Mate when I was close, and picked him up near a local bar he has been to after work a couple times. Seems they're not open at 8 AM, go figure. We returned home in relative silence, and then he called Mouse back for more details and to check on how Grumpy took the news.

I just can't believe she's gone. It's not sunk in yet, and I don't know how long it will take before the hurt goes away, but it hurts really bad. There is a hole, a huge black hole inside both of us that will take much healing time to find the light again.

When Neeper wakes up, we'll have to break the news to her. Damn this won't be easy. Crap, I have a meeting I have to prepare for.. I just wish I could send someone else.
More update later, maybe, maybe not.

* Beep is the radio function on Nextel Phones
** We call each other Dub, like Silk Stalkings detectives called each other "Sam" - it's a long explaination.. someday I'll tell that story perhaps.