Tragedy

[Jester]

I have mentioned Princess, my eldest teenage niece, in here many times. At the beginning of this month, she left Key West to move up to northern Florida to live with her father, take a semester of community college, and then transfer to a university, probably UNF (University of Northern Florida) or something comparable.

Yesterday, while her father was working on the brakes of Princess's car, it fell on him, killing him. Princess's mother just called me about an hour ago to tell me this.

While I was not very close to Princess's father (I am good friends with her mother, that is how she became my "niece"), I have met him a few times, and he is a pretty alright guy. A year older than me, about my size, and absolutely wouldn't let anything happen to his oldest child, his princess. He liked the fact that, while she was living down here on her own her last year of high school, she had me to watch out for her, being as overprotective of her as he is. She, in turn, worshipped him, as many firstborn daughters do.

I am having trouble forming coherent thoughts, and while usually somewhat unflappable, and shaking a bit right now. I called Princess, but only got her voicemail. I am waiting to hear back from her to see if there is anything I can do and if, in fact, she needs me up there with her. If so, I am gone. I will pack my bag, shower, and hit the road immediately for that nine hour drive across the state. I have already gotten my shift tonight covered (I would be useless anyway), and have someone in place to cover my shifts, if necessary, the next two days. Beyond that, if I am still up there, I have no doubt that The Bar's management will bend over backwards to get my shift covered. Not only do they love me, but Princess used to work there as a hostess, and they adore her as well.

I am not much one for prayer. Princess, on the other hand, is a devout Christian. If you believe in the power of prayer, please pray for her. She is undoubtedly in hell right now, and it's only going to get worse. Since he was working on her car, there is a good chance that she will feel, in addition to profound grief, unbearable guilt. It's not rational, but it does happen.

I swear, the next person that tells me Princess is not my "real niece" because we are not related by blood is going to get punched right in the face.

I don't know what else to say. This sucks.

[Rapscallion]

Take care of yourself as well. Do what you have to, but make sure you get there in one piece.

Rapscallion

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I'm sorry, Jester.

I will include your niece, her family, and you, too, in my prayers.

[Chazzie]

Oh, no... your poor niece. I'm so sorry to hear about it. I'm wondering if you should even wait for her OK before coming up to see her. I'm sure she needs her Uncle right now.

I'll keep you all in my thoughts.

[Jester]

I'm wondering if you should even wait for her OK before coming up to see her. I'm sure she needs her Uncle right now.

I am waiting because I may be able to do more good from here than from there. I am waiting because I want to see what she needs, what she wants. And I am waiting for a cold pragmatic reason--to be quite honest, other than today, when I am just at a loss, if she doesn't need me, I really need to work, both for my mental state and my finances. I hope that last part doesn't sound too cold to anyone, but it is a reality of life. Keep in mind, she is up in northern Florida, and I am in the Keys....that's over 500 miles each way. In addition to the lost wages, I would also have to get about four (large) tanks of gas. I will be there for her for whatever she needs, but I also have to keep my own necessities in mind as well.

[lupo pazzesco]

Blood doesn't always dictate who you call family.

people who claim otherwise deserve a good punch in the face, but that's just me.

Jester, I'm keeping you, Princess and her family in my thoughts and sending good energy their way. And I don't believe it sounds cold to think of your own necessities. After all, if you don't take care of yourself, how can you be there to care for others.

My condolences to Princess and her family. Again, I'm keeping them, and you, in my thoughts.

[Jester]

Blood doesn't always dictate who you call family.

Precisely. In addition to my three teenage nieces (and other nieces and nephews) not being related to my by blood, my older sister by blood is a woman I don't care for and don't really care to talk to. Ditto my aunt (my mother's younger sister). Ditto several other relatives. And then there is my best friend Neets, whose daughters are my nieces, and my stepsister SuperFreak, who I am closer to than either of my blood sisters.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Damn.

I'll be thinking of you and Princess and and her family.

[JoitheArtist]

I'm so sorry to hear about that!

I will keep Princess, her family, and you in my prayers.

[Ree]

So sorry to read such tragic news.
You guys are in my prayers.

[Talon]

Bleh that royally sucks.

I don't pray, but I'll keep good thoughts, for what they're worth.

[Hyena Dandy]

I'll be sending positive energy as well... Philosophically, I feel its the same as prayer. Its terrible to hear that. But you're right about family. I'm adopted, so I know that relatives aren't necessarily related.

Good luck... I hope she turns out well.

[cinema guy]

You and Princess are in my thoughts.

[Plaidman]

I'm sorry to hear that Jester! Your always been a good guy. Your niece is going need that. Even if she doesn't answer right away, she does have you to depend on. Not to many people can say that.

I'm not much of a prayer, but I'll try my best. Least I can do.

[Jester]

She texted me that she would call me later, but I have still not gotten that call. Debating between calling her and waiting for her to call me. Going slightly stir crazy.

I did call my parents and tell my stepfather to be very careful the next time he's working on their car. He is 78, after all. He assured me that he never gets blase or casual, and he rarely does any work under the car anymore anyways.