The day before we were to leave, we found out that my Grandma B (my dad's mother) had passed away. She has been quite ill for some time, but the timing of death is never expected. Jon and I decided that I would go to Ohio to be with my family and go to the funeral, and that Ainsley would go with me. Jon stayed here with Asher.
I rejoice in the fact that Grandma lived her life for God and is now with him. I am grieved for those she left behind, especially Grandpa, who has lost his life partner and best friend. Grandma and Grandpa had been married for over 67 years. What an example they have been to us!
Bittersweet is defined as both pleasant and painful. That is how I would describe this trip. I enjoyed seeing family members who I haven't seen in a long, long time. I got to witness the joy that they felt in getting to see Ainsley and interact with her (BTW she behaved very well the whole trip--I am very proud of her!) I also saw my family grieving and the physical toll grief took on them, especially Grandpa.
I am very glad that we were able to work it out so I could go. (We got a credit for our 4 tickets to CT minus $75 each.)
Here are some pictures of our trip.
Grandpa B with his three surviving children, Ina, my dad, and Fay
Kelly, Grandma K (my mom's mom), and me. When Grandpa K died in 1995, Grandma & Grandpa B made the long trip to go to his funeral. That meant a lot to Grandma K, and it was very important to her to make that same trip in reverse.
My cousin, Charlie, his wife Amanda, and Grandpa B
The crew from my mom's side of the family: me, Kelly, Ainsley, Ron, Mom, Grandma K, Francis, Karl. I wish I would have had more time to visit with them--it was hard keeping track of Ainsley and still having a chance to talk with people.
Aunt Kelly reading time (Jon and I love pictures of family reading to the kids!)
Dad and his sisters
This picture was taken during one of my favorite parts of this trip. We had a chance to sit down over tea at the bed & breakfast we stayed at. Dad and his sisters (my aunts) had a chance to talk about memories of Grandma B, and of growing up. I think everyone at the table learned something they didn't know.
Ainsley drawing during the meal that the church family prepared for us after the funeral. (Did I mention she behaved well?) :-)
Grandpa B with his three surviving children, Ina, my dad, and Fay
Kelly, Grandma K (my mom's mom), and me. When Grandpa K died in 1995, Grandma & Grandpa B made the long trip to go to his funeral. That meant a lot to Grandma K, and it was very important to her to make that same trip in reverse.
My cousin, Charlie, his wife Amanda, and Grandpa B
The crew from my mom's side of the family: me, Kelly, Ainsley, Ron, Mom, Grandma K, Francis, Karl. I wish I would have had more time to visit with them--it was hard keeping track of Ainsley and still having a chance to talk with people.
Aunt Kelly reading time (Jon and I love pictures of family reading to the kids!)
Mom, Kelly, me, Ainsley, Amanda, Charlie, Grandpa, Dad, Fay, Ina
Dad and his sisters
This picture was taken during one of my favorite parts of this trip. We had a chance to sit down over tea at the bed & breakfast we stayed at. Dad and his sisters (my aunts) had a chance to talk about memories of Grandma B, and of growing up. I think everyone at the table learned something they didn't know.
Ainsley drawing during the meal that the church family prepared for us after the funeral. (Did I mention she behaved well?) :-)
I am her mom, so I admit my bias. That being said, isn't the picture she's drawing great? :-)
Goodbye, Grandma. You were a special lady and we'll miss you.
1 comment:
I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your grandmother. What a gift to spend time with your family, though. Great pictures. :)
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