Cape Town

[red_lasbelin]

 I made it! But God, that 14 hour flight over the Atlantic. By hour 7, I just wondered how on earth I was going to do 7 more, lol.

This has been such a surreal experience. I got badly choked up at the airport because I never imagined I'd get here and she would not be there at the end of the journey. But then her daughter, M and her husband picked me up at the airport and it's fascinating to meet people you've never met but you've heard about for years so you feel like you know them already. And Kei talked about me like I was her next door neighbor so they felt like they already knew me in a way too.

They've just been so kind. I didn't expect them to be mean or anything but I knew this was such an odd situation and I had no idea what they would make of me. They've responded by wrapping me into their family and that has just blown me away. They don't really understand fandom as such, so they kind of call us her Book Club people. And they knew she loved to write. I've got to play with her grandchildren as well, they are the same age as several of my nieces and nephews and they were so important to her.

Her funeral is on Tuesday, and one of the things she asked for was that her coffin could be written and drawn on. I didn't even know you could do that, but it fits both sides of her so well, both the artist and the writer. I'm going to write something on there for me and for her Tolkien peeps. They also asked if I wanted to say something at the funeral. I hadn't even thought of that so I must put something together. It's so hard to encapsulate what she means to me and everyone here.

I did ask them you guys wanting to donate something to the funeral, flowers or charity, whatever. Ray, her husband, immediately said he would want whatever it is to go to charity in her name. Kei was a life long supporter of charity and it would be a beautiful thing. We've discussed several different options, and I think the children's red cross, her local animal shelter and the Cancer society are the most likely places.

M doesn't have PayPal yet and she's busy handling the bulk of the funeral arrangements, so if you want to donate, please send it to me and I will get it to her family while I'm here. No pressure to give, of course, Kei would not want that ever! But I do know some people will want to. My PayPal is japaskey(@)gmail.com. I promise all of it will go to them to distribute as they wish to each charity.

Comments

[minuial_nuwing]

Good to hear that you made it okay - that's a heck of a flight!

I'm so glad you are getting to meet Kei's family and that they are so warm and accepting. That's one of the most awesome ideas I think I've ever heard, to write and draw on a coffin. What a personal and permanent remembrance.

I'll send on a donation - PayPal is a great idea.

Take care, Red.

**hugs tight**

[erulissedances]

I'll get something sent to your email tomorrow. I'm so glad I can do a little bit, something that she would have supported and encouraged. Please send *hugs* to her family and know that I'm thinking of you and of them.

And damn it, here I am crying yet again. Good tears, but tears nonetheless.

- Erulisse (one L)

[aglarien]

I'm so very glad you're there safely, Red. How lovely her family sounds. I can't get over the writing on the coffin! What a beautiful idea Kei had. That's something I might just steal from her. Let us know how things go as you have time, and please pass on our heartfelt sympathy to her family. I'll be making a donation to the cancer society, both in her name and my husband's.
*hugs*

[independence1776]

As hard as the situation is, I'm glad you've been embraced by her family. And wanting her coffin to be written is not something I knew was possible and is 100% her.

So many *hugs*

[melusine6619]

So glad you made it safely there and that you've been embraced by Kei's family. I'm weepy, but happy that you're there for each other. I've just sent something via PayPal. But more than anything, I'm holding you and Kei's family in my thoughts.

[spiced_wine]

I will be thinking of you, and Kei at the funeral. 🙏🏼

[hhimring]

Good to hear you made it!
Her family sound wonderful and it is good that you will be allowed to contribute something.
We will be thinking of you and of Kei on Tuesday.

[grundyscribbling]

Glad you made it there safely, and that her family are being so kind. Please tell them
The writing on the coffin is a lovely idea.
*hugs*

[ysilme]

That's really a long flight! I'm glad you made it all right, and I'm so happy you can be there, have been embraced by Kei's family. That request about her coffin is so much Kei, such a great idea. Also that you've been asked to speak at the funeral, and represent a part of her her family hasn't been that familiar with as it seems is lovely. *hugs*
Thank you for the donation info and your offer.

[elfscribe5]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us and how welcoming Kei's family has been. Light to all.