Blue Moon & The Endless Summer (Part 2)

Darlings,

I HAD to split this blog post in 2 because:
a) I would never have finished and b) I would have bored you with a novel instead of a post.

Where was I?

Oh yes, Boston.
Well as fate would have it, Drew's crew (complete with Josh and Dr. Feelgood!) happened upon Boston as the same time as I was there - August 31, the night of the blue moon.
A FANTASTIC time.

My BFF (Drew) and moi

A great dinner courtesy of Chef Gabe who took such good care of our not-so-sober group.
(If you haven't checked out The Paramount in Boston yet, do. http://www.paramountboston.com/)

Our Motley Crew

Another New England bonus came courtesy of the cutie I met earlier in the week.
He was handsome, charming and incredibly young.  Perfect.
He ALSO rode a motorcycle.
He ALSO had a helmet for me.
Well.
I said a prayer and held on for Dear Life.

It was late and the city was quiet.  And empty.
It was us and the full moon along the waterfront.
When I found myself worrying and slipping back into my grief-stricken depression, I literally yelled at myself to STOP and enjoy this moment - I looked up and the moon agreed.

The next day I said goodbye to the crew (who were heading to Province Town) and boarded the bus back to New York.  While I waited in the lineup, the familiar tears started to flow again.
They continued for at least half of the four hour bus ride.

A 16 year old is gone for good.
It's just so unfair.

.............................................................................

I came home to an empty apartment.

(Roommates out of town for the long weekend)

I made some tea and got caught up on episodes True Blood (WACK!) and The Real Housewives of New Jersey (DRAMA!)

As I was sitting there I realized that I was alone - and for the first time in 6 weeks I wasn't afraid.

This intense fear of being alone after Alison passed away was so consuming, I started to worry that I'd need medication.
Fortunately for me, I wasn't in solitude for long.

Next stop: The Jersey Shore.

The thing about being in a fog of grief is that you make plans without even realizing it, and thank God.
Labor Day weekend and it's full moon came and went leaving me melancholy and sad.
The first day of school would be arriving without my cousin, and let's face it, summer 2012 will always be known for this tragedy.

Off we went...
Me, Drew and Don (our newest Crew member) in the rental headed to Debra and Michael's place on the shore.

New Crew on the boat...

I'm very fortunate to have these souls in my life.
They helped rescue me when I couldn't bear the thought of being by myself and my tears.
They made sure I laughed, and enjoyed the final days of my favorite season.

So long Summer, give Alison a kiss for me.

Until next week -xo-

Alone, together, beyond the crowd

Above the world, we're not too proud

To cling together, we're strong

As long as we're together

Alone, together, the blinding rain

The starless night, were not in vain

For we're together, and what is there to fear

Our love is as deep as the sea

Our love is as great as a love can be

And we can weather the great unknown

If we're alone together

~ Ray Charles & Betty Carter (etc.)