The arrangements did not happen entirely through one emotional call.

Funeral staff contacted me about decisions and the authorization required from me.

Documents arrived electronically.

I confirmed Patrick’s identity and discussed the wishes he had expressed over the years.

But Samantha remained the person there.

She handled the local conversations, collected information, and told me what she said had happened.

In my grief, I relied on her explanations more than I should have.

When I asked about Patrick’s belongings, she said some had been misplaced during the emergency.