In Chicago

Got up on time to my battery of alarms. Got out on time while it was still dark! I can't even. The train arrived on time, and now I'm on it.

Now I'm in Chicago. The train was in a little early. I ran and got my ticket on commuter rail, and called my mom to tell her that I was going to catch the 10:30 commuter train. She wasn't answering, so I left a message. I got off at my station, and she wasn't there. I called her again and left a message. Then I called my aunt's number and got Mom this time. I told her that I was in Elmwood Park, and she said, "Already?" Um, I did exactly what I said that I was going to do.

We spent the afternoon into the evening at my aunt's house. Mom convinced her that I needed to get to the hotel early. I'm planning to be in bed by 9 PM. I'm exhausted. The funeral is tomorrow.

I forgot to mention that my mom is getting really fed up with my aunt, who is treating her like a servant. My aunt is likely to have multiple surgeries, so Mom will have to come back.