Last Tuesday, April 14, 2009, we got the call that Hubby’s grandfather had passed away. It didn’t really come as a surprise as his health had been failing for quite a while. While death is never a happy occasion, I have to say that I’m very glad that he is no longer suffering and has moved on to a better place.
I didn’t know Papop very well, but I’ll never forget the way he welcomed me with open arms when we were first introduced. He always made me feel welcome and loved both in his home and his family. Papop could build anything. He nearly doubled the size of his house with all the additions he made. He was well known in the community and even added an office onto his home (with an outdoor entrance) for his Notary services. He was also a very proud Veteran who served his country.
With heavy hearts Hubby and I loaded up the car on Wednesday for the long drive to Louisiana. The trip took a little longer than expected, but after a few hiccups, we arrived in Kaplan Thursday afternoon just in time to change clothes and head to the funeral home for visitation.
The funeral service was Friday, complete with a military salute. It was a nice service, although I missed quite a bit of it because I had to take Evie out when she started getting noisy. Tears were shed and love was shared.
The most difficult part for me was trying to explain to Zach what was going on. While he seemed to understand, he kept asking me when Papop would “get his life back”. The concept of forever is apparently still hard for him to grasp. I’m guessing it will take a while for it all to sink in.
Hubby and I decided to stay through the weekend and spend some time with the family that we rarely get to see. This was indeed the best part of the trip. We really enjoyed getting to visit with everyone and especially enjoyed getting to meet our 3-month-old niece, Maggie. Zach and Evie got to play with all of their cousins on that side of the family and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
The downside of the trip was that we discovered we were in dire need for new tires and ended up having to purchase them while we were there. We had to buy two and will have to replace the other two (along with fixing the air conditioner) before our next trip planned in June.
All in all the trip was bittersweet. We loved getting to spend time with our family, but sad that another member of it was gone.
We got home Monday night at midnight, unloaded the car and went straight to bed. There is so much to catch up on after being gone for nearly a week. I have yet to even unpack our bags. My house is a disaster. I’m behind at work. I still haven’t caught up on sleep. Oh, and Evie is suddenly super clingy which doesn’t help with the whole catching up thing.
One thing I have been reminded of this week though, is to be thankful for everything I have. I have a wonderful husband, two amazing kids, family that is always willing to help out when I need it, and loving in-laws that I wouldn’t trade for the world. In the big scheme of things, that’s all a person really needs.
p.s. I’m way behind on posting over there, but have a great giveaway going on over on my reviews page!
My Grandpa also passed away on Good friday (April 9). We drove 5 hours to be there and on the way home our car died. The timing belt broke and what would have been a 40 dollar fix will now cost us 1000k+. We had to leave our vehicle in the small town to be fixed and get rides home with other relatives LOL!! BUMMER. But I feel the same- thankful I have everything important and precious to me safe and sound.