An Unexpected Roadtrip

As I mentioned in the previous post, Brandon's grandma passed away in early January.  We count it a huge blessing that we were able to be with her just days before her home going.  She was so ready for the trials and pain of this life to be done.  We celebrated this for her.  We who were left grieved the loss of her life here on earth.  She was such an incredible woman.  She was best known for her amazing listening ear.  She seemed to have a unique ability to connect with everyone. She was most likely the most popular resident in her nursing home.  She aged with grace and dignity and she died with grace and dignity.  I am so thankful that I got to experience over a decade of calling this lovely woman Grandma R.

We made our way down to Brandon's parents on a Monday.  I had a meeting at school for the kids at 11:00 and we didn't get on our way until later than usual.  This meant that everyone was pretty crabby and hungry by the time we arrived.

All the days are a blur.  T was in the midst of potty training so we had to keep a close eye on her.  M was getting round two of Strep and felt miserable.  Brandon officiated the funeral which was a great honor.  It also meant a great deal of work and emotional prep so that he could do well in the service.  Brandon was also working on the annual report for church meaning that a lot of work was happening all the time.

As a way to relieve stress, Brandon brought his bike.  He did go biking, but it was very cold (around zero), there was much gravel on the road (due to recent ice) and he lost his glasses while biking.  He found them and wasn't hurt in the process, but might think twice before trying winter biking on gravel in extreme cold again.

I brought food and all the prep stuff for food so that the kids and I could eat and Grandma Judy would not have to worry about that.  So many people brought food for the family that they were all well fed.  Grandma Judy had a major eye infection going on and was in a lot of physical pain on top of the emotional pain.

We were all busy, stressed and grieving, BUT also counting our blessings.  Brandon's family (like my family) gets along very well with each other.  They enjoy being together and have a great time together.  It was actually wonderful for our kids to get to spend more time with cousins and Brandon's cousins and aunts and uncles.  There is so much joy in knowing your children are creating memories and really getting to know your family of origin.  Because we live so far away, seeing everyone twice in a short time is a rare blessing. It was beautiful to remember Grandma R and to celebrate her life. Brandon did a wonderful job with the service.  Grandpa Tom also did part of the service.  It was all a wonderful tribute to a great woman.

T was such a potty training trooper.  She went 4 (or 5) times during the visitation.  She would just go to her potty chair on her own and go.  One time I didn't even know she was going and heard laughing coming from the long line of waiting people.  Apparently she went and waddled out to the line with her pants at her ankles.  I am glad we could bring some laughter to everyone.  T did not have a single accident while we were there.  She did great on the road and did not require any extra stops.  I am so proud of her!

Both kids stayed at Brandon's sister's house during the funeral.  A and A stayed there too.  Brandon's sister arranged for two women who work at her dental office to watch the kids.  The kids did well and it was a much better set up than trying to get them to sit for the funeral.

M really went downhill (health wise) during our time there.  We had an Rx phoned in, but he hated the taste of it so it was pretty useless.  We got him popsicles which he would normally love, but was not even interested it.  They ended up being a hit for the rest of the family!

While our surprise road trip was not planned and not timely in many ways, in the end it was filled with blessings and family time.

T: Bear and I are ready for a ride! 

M: Hey T, are you getting a work out? 

M: Ummm, could you do this all day? 

T: I NOT DONE!  (She was right, she wasn't)

T: It sure is fun to have all these pretty girls around. 

Grandma R was an excellent cook.  Everyone in the area made her favorite dishes for the meal.  A very impressive spread. 

Of course there were salads and desserts too :) 

Grandma Judy's sister M was very popular with T. 

Matching bow ties, but too sick for a picture. 

Poor sweet boy. 

T: Why yes I do love popsicles and books!

M: It feels good to be cozy next to A. 

T: Grandpa Tom horsey ride! 

T: Uncle Chris, Grandpa Tom is tired.  Will you give me a horsey ride? 

A room full of adult men enjoying and analyzing their popsicle flavors.  What a great photo!

T: Daddy's aunt J has really curly hair.  She lets me make it bounce. 

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Updated Photos!  Brandon's Aunt V came through with a couple of awesome photos to add to this post.  They are much like photos above... just better!

Such a sweet friendship!

Apparently M did have a smile in there after all!  Love this one!