Tomorrow I return to work after a bereavement leave following my dad’s passing. It’s hard to believe he’s been gone for over a week. One week ago tomorrow we held his celebration of life service. A lot has happened in the past 10 days or so.

There is going to be a new normal where my dad isn’t there to be my rock and hero. He is still those things but he is not here in body. I used to think this one day at a time thing was kinda cliche but its not. Everyone who is grieving and mourning someone they really loved will have their moments for as long as they live. Tears will come when I least expect them to. Strong memories will hit me out of the blue.

As I get back to a regular routine a new part of it is remembering my dad.

So with all this being said my posts will return to what they were before my dad got sick and passed away. Of course I will remember my dad from time to time because that is the human thing to do.

Hello everyone, I am Tony Burgess and I am coming back to the normal, the new normal.

I believe in big tables. The ones where there is always room for one more. That means that everyone is welcome to take part. Everyone from everywhere should have a place at the table to eat and commune with others. Too often people find themselves on the outside looking in or in this case having to eat at a TV tray or at the kitchen counter. Much happens at the table that no one should miss out on. People should also the table is not in theirs but someone else who deserves the head spot and then will there be unlimited room for all those from all walks of life.

Thanks for hanging with me friends. My blog has been one of real, raw emotions as of late. I hope I have not depressed anyone enough to bolt but during this time. I have some things to work through so I am going to blog it out. Grief is something very real. Your friendship is treasured.

One week ago at 8:30 PM my father left this world to be with the Saints and Angels. What a week it has been. Very bittersweet with me celebrating my 50th. It’s amazing how life and plans change quickly. I am sad and tired and not sure about how to proceed.