Last Friday, April 2, my Gran finally rejoined Grandpa in heaven after over 30 years. They will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on the 13th of April.
Gran suffered from Alzheimer’s at the end of her 88 years, so in some ways it was like she was already gone. Even so, the boys and I flew out on Wednesday to Ohio to attend the funeral. I’d been so focused on getting two little people, car seats, their ‘vacation’ beds and all the other clothes and apparatus, the full reality of her passing didn’t really hit until we began the viewing and funeral activities.
It was great to see all the aunts, uncles and cousins. We shared many memories of our time growing up and made many new memories this week. Whatever the reason family gathers, when we do, we have a great time. It was great to see the next generation playing together so well (for the most part) and working out their problems (under our guidance).
At the viewing on Thursday, the boys were with me for a short time and they were pretty good. You might guess that an almost 4 year old and a 2 ½ year old don’t quite grasp the whole “quiet” concept. I took them out to mingle with just family, but for the most part we were in a back room watching a movie until it was time to go to Kenny & Anna’s to play. We are so blessed to have friends as close as family in Ohio – who will take my kids in a heartbeat whenever needed while we’re visiting – we love to visit with them as a family, too.
On Friday, we all gathered at the Funeral Home to prepare for the funeral services. Uncle Bill gave an awesome eulogy that summed up the Gran I remembered. As we filed through by family (remember Gran had 9 kids and though Uncle Tom has already passed, Aunt Ruth and Jeff were there). Pawpaw carried Jake up to say good bye one last time with Jake making Indian noises and then he looked down at Gran and said “wow, Look at that!” They provided such levity.
We had a cheese cracker mishap during the funeral that really upset Nick and sent 3 pews into hysterical laughter, other than that, the boys were AMAZING during the service. More friends of the family took them to the Elk’s so we could go to the graveside without worry.
While we missed lots of sleep, we had a great time and were reminded how wonderful it is when the whole family gets together. I still have memories of visits with Gran popping through my head. I’m glad to have them as comfort. We were so blessed to be one of their Splinters. In the words of Toby Keith:
Got the news on Friday mornin'
But a tear I couldn't find
You showed me how I'm supposed to live
And now you showed me how to die…
…So play it sweet in heaven
'Cause that's right where you want to be
I'm not cryin' cause I feel so sorry for you
I'm cryin' for me
