I went to pick out some brand new furniture today. It was an emotional experience for so many reasons. At 500, some of our furniture was thrifted and I always felt embarrassed by that. My father went to Pratt so he loved to design and decorate. Like Grandpa Norton, an NYU grad- he loved the arts, and science! *gasp*. I inherited his genes as well and im thankful for that. We even share the same birthday. Every year he would send me a card with some $$ in it. When I found out he had passed on my move up to the Midwest, I had to keep going. I had my moment but my cousin, sam, thankfully was a great cheerleader and encouraged me to persevere. Thankfully, I was able to block it out. I still have it blocked out. I dont think I even cried about it yet. Too many other preoccupations in relation to survival to even start the grieving process when it came to *the brenner* side of the familia.