The sum of the week.

(If you do nothing else, watch the video at the end!)

I had big plans for the week.  It's the last week before school starts, and I had a list a mile long of things I wanted to do.

Sunday morning I was in church and received a voicemail from my dad.

"Sandi.. I'm sorry to do this over the phone,..  Grandpa passed away last night.."

I stopped in my tracks, in the church foyer.  My surprise was momentary, then that familiar rush of calm came over me.  I don't know why, but I am grateful for it - I have a very calm attitude towards death.  Yes, it is sad, especially if it is an early death or unsuspected.  But death?  It doesn't separate us.  Not permanently, and in the grand scheme of things.. the separation is but an eye blink.

Sunday afternoon I received a message from my aunt.. "Would you give Grandpas life sketch?"  My mouth literally dropped open.  They wanted ME to sum up Grandpas life?  I replied.. "Oh wow.. what and honor.. of course" ..

And then we threw all other plans out the window.  But not actually.  Somehow, Miss Last Minute (aka ME) actually had all the school shopping done.  First day of school clothing?  Check.  Current projects in "ok to drop for a few days" progress, check.  Everything I thought I would need to accomplish this week was pretty much done.

So.. we packed and took off.  Art supplies, check?  (It turns out that if you are determined enough, watercolor in a moving car is not impossible.)

We rolled into Rexburg, ID and spent two days with family.  Eating (Applebees totally comps your desert if they find out you are there for a funeral, just so ya know), singing, telling stories..  It was great.

It just isn't that often that our whole family is able to gather together, so when it happens, even if for a funeral, we make the most of it.

The life sketch came together really easily.  The hardest part was keeping it short enough.  When the head of your family passes away, there is so much to said.

Grandpa was in the army, so it was a military graveside service.  The addition of the honor guard is breathtaking.  Dustin cried.  You know you've got a keeper when he sheds a few tears at your Grandpa's funeral.

We stayed while they lovered the casket into the grave and then everyone threw a few things in.  Some meant to be, some.. not quite so much.

I present to you, the best laugh of the day:

 

Yes, I am the insensitive one in the back chanting, "I wanted a pictured, chuck her back in there!  Dustin's "calm the crying girl" response time is too short.  :)  The little traumatized girl is my 4 year old sister, who happens to be wearing a dress that my grandma made me 30 years ago.

After the luncheon that followed, we went to my aunt's house and she presented me with two bags full of family heirlooms.  Ranging in ownership from her to my great grandmother.  I was baffled and stammered "thankyousomuch.." about 100 times.

I'm planning on starting a family heirloom geneology-esqe book to chronicle these items and any others that I can get info on.  Who has possesion of it, who it has belonged to, etc..  I don't have a whole lot of family heirlooms so this weekend was like Christmas!  She also gave me a piano stool, small child's chair, a quilt (this one gets its own post) and the wooden high chair that my dad, aunt, uncles and I used as children.  I about peed my pants with excitement.

All in all, it was a fantastic week.  I feel rejuvenated, not drained. Love my family.

Comments

[ellen patton]

Those heirlooms are beautiful. I have some similar things from my grandparents.

[Liesel]

You are right, the video was priceless. Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I am glad it was a good experience with your family though. Your dress is gorgeous!

[M]

The girl is your 4 year old sister? (*scratch head*)
You made this into a lovely post, and such sentiments.

[Dog]

nice post. That video is really hilarious :D

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[Jessica Sloan]

So sorry for your loss Sandi, but what a beautifully written honor to your family...sending you love and sympathies.

[Elizabeth E.]

Great video--big smile on my face as I watched it and hope that cute little girl recovered. Fun to see all the heirlooms. I snagged some from a box my parents were taking to DI, and have them up on my sewing room shelves, at the top and it reminds me of my family and heritage too.

Condolences on your grandfather's death--
E.

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