Handing off the past

Today I sent an air conditioner back to Nebraska with my cousin. It was a window unit that Nancy's grandfather Paul, who I've written about here, here and here, gave us a few years ago and we ended up not using.

It's funny to think that an old air conditioner would have some sentimental value, but it does. Nancy and I visited the cousins' ranch over Memorial day, and on the way home realized that they may need a heavy-duty air conditioner like the one Paul had given us. We both thought that Paul would have been happy knowing his old air-conditioner went to live on a rural working cattle ranch. I remember sharing stories of my time on the ranch with Paul and sensing his affirmation of those events and memories.

I miss Paul. I haven't been back to Kansas since he died, and honestly he was my primary reason for going back when we went. I don't know when I'll be back, but with every trip I miss going on I feel less and less inclined to go back the next time - and to have to deal with his absence.

I hope the old air conditioner gives my cousin many years of cool air.