Tuesday, March 10, 2009

We're Back...for now

Well, I survived another whirlwind trip to Canada. I was worried about how well Finn would do in the car for 12+ hours, but he actually did really well. Most of his good behaviour was due to the fact that we let him watch his "Big Bird Sings" DVD on repeat more than a few times. Hooray for portable DVD players!

I am so glad that I was able to be at my Grandma's funeral, and so glad that Aaron was able to be there with me. All but two members of my extended family were there which is quite a feat since there are over 70 of us. It was a great chance to reunite with family that I haven't seen forever, and a great chance to say a final goodbye to my Grandma. She looked so peaceful, and so much better than those last few days in the hospital.
Grandma's final resting place next to her husband Doug. She passed away almost exactly 7 years after him.
The only picture I got of Aaron and I...and his eyes are closed! The day of the funeral was so cold...only about 10 degrees F and SO windy!
My sister Brittany, Finn and I. We hardly ever get to see Brittany's family (my only sibling that still lives in Canada) so it was so nice to get to spend more time with them.

My dad and each of his siblings spoke at the funeral and each did a wonderful job. I learned a few new stories about my Grandma that really touched me. One was about a time that she was home alone on the farm and a homeless man came to the house. She invited him in from the cold and made him a meal. When my Grandpa came home, he was angry with her for letting in a stranger that may have harmed her. As he was chastising her, she replied: "How do you know it wasn't the Savior?". My Grandma was always serving others and was such a great example to me. I came away from her funeral wanting to be a better person.

Now we are back...but we are leaving again on Friday morning! Aaron's step-sister is getting married in Vegas and a bunch of his family will be there...and we'll be there too! My sisters have graciously agreed to watch the little guy so it should be a fun-filled, kid-free weekend. After that, it will be nice to just be at home for a while, I've really missed the place.

5 comments:

The Parks Family said...

I'm glad you got to go back for her funeral! And I'm glad that you guys get to hang out with us this weekend, we NEVER get to hang out anymore! Oh and I saw your comment on my blog and I'm always glad to have another comment from you!

Andi Kate, Children's Author said...

I love that story about the meal, as we discussed. Such a good example.

And hurray for romantic weekends in Vegas! I know you appreciate us watching your kids, but please, don't bring me home any "special" flyers or brochures as keepsakes... :)

Mama H said...

So glad you could be in Canada for the funeral and other family activities. It was fun playing with Finn - and playing hearts with Aaron that last night. Have a great time in VEGAS and try not to feel bad for me here in the deep freeze.

KSK said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma. I am glad that you were able to visit her earlier. It is so amazing to know that you will see her again. I am glad that Finn is doing so good traveling. 12+ hrs thats would be killer. CONGRATS on a little girl. That will be so fun. Hooray!

maryirene said...

my grandmother died unexpectedly right after we moved here. i nearly didn't get to fly home, but i am so glad i did. being there to remember her with my family and being there for my mom, and for myself, was so important. so i am so glad to hear that you got to go. what a blessing you also got to say goodbye. thank goodness we have the gospel and we know we will see them again. how wonderful that she is with her son and her husband. it doesn't change the fact that we miss being with them though.
my thoughts are with you.