Here is the Process

The waiting on the funeral arrangements is frustrating. They (the state) needs to make a decision by Wednesday, else they will be on vacation the rest of the weekend, and won't think about it again until next week.

So here is an explanation of the process:

On Monday the state agency in charge of the boys started taking steps towards the funerals. State employees don't work on weekends--and since this is their jurisdiction--no one can do anything until they make a decision. The state needs to decide if they will allow someone else to take care of the funeral; or--if they take care of it--when to hold the funeral. Now they seem to be in no rush. According to Susan they have to make sure that they "cover their butts". This is a sensitive, and moderately publicized, issue; and bureaucracies are slow.

Now if they don't decide by Wednesday, then they probably won't do anything until after the holiday. The good news is that Compass Health, the foster agency, is putting a lot of pressure on the state agency to make their decision before the holiday. Compass Health has been present through the whole ordeal (I don't know if they work over the weekends, but the ox has been in the mire), and realize that next week is very late to make a decision.

Now, I can't even give an accurate estimate on when the funerals may happen. I have told a couple people that it should be this weekend, even Monday or Tuesday of next week. This may be true, but no one knows. Susan has expressed that she will be very unhappy if on Wednesday they announce the service for the day after Thanksgiving.

I apoligize to anyone interested in attending the services. I know this is very frustrating. I am used to funeral announcements being made almost immediately. Sorry.

Ryan
I guess now would be a good time for me to book tickets home for
Christmas; which I am sure that will be towards the end of December.