Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
An {Amazing} Night to Remember!
Holy Weekend, Batman!
When the employee calculated our plan to upgrade Colten's phone on the next program, we would actually be saving money on our monthly bill. Umm, yes please! The phone plan is calculated differently, as there's not an actual contract, and we had to change our data plan. Before, Colten was grandfathered into the unlimited data plan {which he never let me forget by the way...thanks babe!}. Upgrading with the next program, he would lose that option, which meant we had to go to a shared data plan instead of paying for both of ours separately. Anyway, after a lot of phone jargon and calculations, we were set on Colten's new phone - the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. That's right, he left the iPhone family!
Okay, let me stop for a moment to just say how amazing the guy that was helping us really was. Seriously. He took his time {obviously, we were there for 3 hours}, but he answered every single one of our questions and recalculated everything several times to make sure the charges were right and that we were getting the best deal possible. Colten got $50 back for his old phone, which went to the cost of the taxes we'd have to pay that day. Other than that, we wouldn't have to pay for any of the phone right then. It would be added in to our monthly bill, which ultimately came out cheaper than what we had been paying - have I said that already? Oops. But it's important, here! :)
The employee also asked if Colten still worked for HEB - umm, yes! To receive the discount on our monthly bill, he needed a pay stub. So, off Colten went back home to print out a pay stub, since we were just down the street. While he was gone, the guy accidentally put the upgrade on my line instead of Colten's. Womp womp. Or was it?
He then calculated what our monthly plan would be if we both upgraded on the next program, and lo and behold, it would be $2 more expensive on our monthly bill, but still cheaper than what we have been paying month after month. So, long story short, I upgraded as well. But, seeing as I had no intentions of doing so until next month when my 2 year contract was up, I didn't know exactly what phone I wanted. And, playing with Colten's new one, the Android was somewhat appealing. Ultimately, I also left the iPhone family and bought the LG G Flex!
There was also a promotion going on {of course...}: if you bought the Jawbone Jambox which usually valued at $199 {umm, no thanks} for $150 {still, no thanks}, you got a phone case & a car charger absolutely free {say what?!}. So, on Colten's upgrade, he got a free otterbox case for his phone AND a car charger, and we paid for the Jambox...pretty good deal! But wait, it gets better! Since I was also upgrading, he ran my phone, and I got $110 back for it! So, when it was all said and done {we only did the jambox promotion once, as we didn't want or need two of them...}, we paid $118 for two new phones, a jambox, and a car charger - a total value of $1698. Score! There was also an incentive to pay an additional $5 per month {I think} for the 10GB shared data plan. Now, let's think about this: 10GB for two people and our monthly bill would STILL BE CHEAPER THAN WE HAVE BEEN PAYING?! No.brainer. :)
When we were done, the guy ran Colten's mom's plan to see what it would be if she were to upgrade using the next program, and no surprise here, she would end up saving money on her monthly bill as well! She also got the LG G Flex phone, and we said goodbye to our iPhones. All three of us! Needless to say, we put that guy through the ringer, and we all saved money! We also had to learn how to use our new phones, as we had never owned an Android before... Colten's mom did the same deal for the jambox, but the guy {I told you, he was awesome} gave her two cases for free, which meant I was also able to get a free phone case instead of forking out the $40!
Upon leaving AT&T {finally}, we picked up lunch and took it to my sister at work, as promised! We may or may not have been a little super late...sorry Hil! But, it all worked out fine, and she was pretty entertained for her lunch break! We also got to see where she worked at the hospital, so that was pretty cool! And, it's always good to see my sister, so it was just a win win all the way around! She was also giving us Android lessons, haha!
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| first selfie! |
We had some other errands to run and some more shopping to do, and we finally made it home around 8:00pm or so. We pretty much spent that night playing with our new phones! There's so much to customize in so little time ;). Then, it was late and we had the munchies - so it only made sense for a late night Wal-Mart run! We bought some junk food and settled in for the night. Seriously perfect. I was in much need of a laid back, relaxing, fun weekend, and this was just what the doctor ordered!
ROAD TRIP!
When we left for the 3 hour drive, it was 78 degrees and sunshine! Seriously perfect weather for a road trip! We visited with Colten's friend, who we hadn't seen in months, and ate delicious ribs. What more could you ask for, really? Oh wait, there was vomiting involved - on Colten's part. Someone got a bit drunk and mixed just a few too many alcoholic beverages - variety is not your friend, sir. He really should know better. Serves him right, as I slept right through it all!
Saturday, we woke up early-ish (early for someone with a hangover anyway...haha) and said our goodbyes to head even further south to Ingleside for Colten's niece's 6th birthday! I guess she's my niece too, but that just sounds crazy! Technically, my step-niece-in-law. Got it? Good. We usually have to miss out on such events because Colten is working, but he was fortunate enough to have the weekend off, so it was perfect! And it was much needed, too. It was so good to see him interacting with his family and enjoying some time away from the stresses of house chores, work, and school. A break is always a good thing! Colten's mom definitely enjoyed having all the kids together, which doesn't happen very often! It's hard to get everyone together with work schedules and other things going on, so we made sure to capture this moment for eternity, much to their dismay ;).
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| Colten & his siblings. |
It was definitely a good time. And his sister & brother-in-law's house is gorgeous! I'm so, so glad that we were able to be there to celebrate a birthday and some family time.
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| This guy pretty much stole the show! |
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| Bestill my heart! |
Saturday night, we said our goodbyes to his family and got back on the road for another 2 1/2 hour drive to my parents' house. See? Isn't this fun? Living out of a car for the weekend? Blech. No thank you! I didn't enjoy being in the car for that long, as I'm not one to like confined spaces for such long periods of time, but I truly did enjoy the time with family and friends, so it was definitely worth it. It helps that we don't do it too often, so I really shouldn't complain...but this is my blog, and I wouldn't be true to it if there was zero complaining :).
Now, where were we? Oh yes. On the road. Again. It was about 8:30pm when we headed out, and Colten so very sweetly volunteered to drive. Y'all, he drove for the entire trip this weekend! I'm so blessed (because I got to sleep)! Once we entered Rockport, the flashing lights blinded us. Yep, we got stopped by the county sheriff. One of the headlights on my car went out and we hadn't had a chance to fix it. Thankfully, he only gave us a warning and told us to fix it as soon as possible. Yes sir! So, we went on our merry way and continued our trek to the 'burg. I fell asleep and Colten did great just driving along. Until the flashing lights blinded us. Again. Y'all, we got stopped twice for the same reason in two different towns on the same drive! Halletsville PD pulled us over for our broken headlight and thankfully also only gave us a warning - and told us to get it fixed. By this second stop, it was 11:00pm. There was absolutely no way to get it fixed at this time of night. Therefore, we accepted the warning and went about our merry way for the 20 more minutes to my parents' house.
Colten is not good with directions. He remembers roads and routes and things pretty well, but he just doesn't do directions. However, he followed them pretty well for being so late at night and being tired! We were on one of the backroads and oh so close to 'home' for the night when I saw them: 6 wild hogs running across the road, right in front of us. My heart caught in my throat and I was filled with dread. We were going too fast to stop in time to miss them. There were so many of them. It was late. We were tired. Please, God, place your guiding hand upon us and give us a miracle to not total our car by hitting a wild hog. Please. I begged and pleaded in those few seconds that I had.
And a miracle we got! Thank God that we did not hit them. I don't know how Colten managed to miss every single one of them, but he did! I started crying - I don't know if it was from exhaustion or from the adrenaline that had been pumping through my body each and every time a cop pulled us over that night, but I was a mess! It wasn't like full-on ugly crying, but I was just ready to be home for the night and to sleep. We arrived at my parents' house around 11:30pm, and I went straight to bed. And I slept.
Church was at 9:30 on Sunday morning and was in remembrance of my grandparents, so we went. Josh also showed up that morning to attend mass in honor of them. It was a great mass and it felt good to be back where I grew up. We had a delicious lunch and great entertainment...especially with these two dressed to the nines in their neon!
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| They couldn't have planned this if they tried! |
A cheeto and a lemon walk into a bar... Haha! It was too, too funny. And I'm so glad they obliged when I requested a picture - thanks guys! :) It's never a dull moment in my family, that's for sure!
Colten worked on some homework with my dad's help, and mom and I enjoyed a few rounds of Skip-Bo, which made for a leisurely afternoon! And thank goodness, because it was COLD. The weather dropped to below 40 degrees, and the wind was torturous! I went from wearing shorts and flip flops for two days to bundling up in a blanket and a hoodie on Sunday! Thanks, Texas!
We stayed at my parents' house for the Super Bowl game - which honestly wasn't much of a 'game'. I'm not an avid football follower, but for some reason, I was inclined to watch the game. Now, I have sort of an issue, here. Following Facebook statuses, so many people were accusing not only me, but others as well as jumping on the Seahawks bandwagon. I want to clear that up, mostly for my own sake to justify my position. It's the SUPER BOWL. There are only two teams playing. Whether or not I am a fan of a specific team, one must root for one team or the other. There are only two teams playing. What other option is there?! Yes, I was rooting for the Seahawks from the beginning, because they were the underdog and it was their first time to the 'big game'. Ever. Was I jumping on the Seahawks bandwagon? I don't think so. I was simply rooting for one of the teams I was currently watching that day. Simple as that. Got it? Kay, thanks! It's not my fault the Broncos decided to stay in bed and not participate! :)
My favorite commercials were the Budweiser commercials. The puppy and the Clydesdale just melted my heart - like, my heart was shattered when the puppy was being taken away...see for yourself!
Y'all. My heart!! Love, love, love this commercial! And the welcome home commercial was absolutely breathtaking! Check out the documentary on that, even if you saw the commercial already...
After Seattle blew Denver out of the water, we packed up and made the two hour drive home, arriving at 11:00pm. Exhausted is an understatement this morning...
Overall, I'm so excited to have had such a wonderful weekend with my husband and our families. It was worth all the time on the road! But, I was honestly so happy to be home and to see Ace after being gone for the weekend! I missed him so much. I think he missed us too. :) And a huge thanks to my sister for checking in on him while we were gone! It truly means a lot - thanks sis! Love you!!
A Glimpse into Parenthood
And taking selfies...
And posing with random things in the store!
They also can buy things on their own, like a giant duck to add to their ever-growing barnyard in their room!
And holding hands crossing the gigantic parking lot and standing still long enough to capture our shadows.
And playing fruit ninja until their little arms felt like falling off...
And talking Colten and I into taking them to JumpStreet!
Hilary met us there, and we captured this gem mid-air. =)
Colten was in heaven, y'all! He is a kid at heart, and he's so endearing to watch around children. I know he'll make a great father some day! But that day, he was giant cheeto! We could always spot him, bahahaha!
Overall, it was a great experience! Thanks, Kim, for allowing us to be responsible for your children! I hope they aren't too scarred... ;). We had a blast, and I know the girls did too! I also know they were ready to go home to their mom and dad and their friends.
What I learned:
+ Colten and I will be amazing parents, as we will pay attention and sacrifice our wants and needs for those of our children.
+ We will lose sleep once we have kids. I know, this is a big, giant DUH! But it's so true - Kyra wakes up sooooo early! Luckily, she's old enough to just play on her phone and entertain herself. Our kids will probably be more like Maeve and sleep until noon. We can only hope!
+ I was actually motivated to do things and be {dare I say} productive! As in, I cleaned the kitchen and did laundry, etc. It's crazy what being responsible for human life can do to you...even if it is only for a few days! I actually am looking forward to this aspect of parenthood.
+ Life is going to be a blast! I already love Colten and I's relationship so much, and there's seriously never a dull moment. We have our ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade our love for anything! Add a little one {or two, or ten....KIDDING!} to the mix, and I know that our 'every day' will only improve!
+ Our children are going to be oh so loved! Not only by us, but by their aunt and uncle and grandparents as well! Hilary came out and joined us at JumpStreet after work and an appointment. We all had a blast! We even introduced Kyra and Maeve to the fabulousness of Olive Garden! Can you believe they didn't even know what it was?! Oh my goodness...they know, now!
So, there you have it! A glimpse into parenthood!
Random Weekend Shenanigans
I am so completely and unbelievably thankful for three-day weekends! It means...
+ only a four day work week
+ more time to get things done around the house
+ more time with my husband
+ extra time to blog, even if you don't take advantage of said extra time
+ time to hang out with family
+ one less day to pay for gas going into work
+ more sleep
+ more time to spend with the doggy - he's been soooo good and it was hard to leave him this morning
+ time to really prepare for the week ahead
+ a break from overtime
So, this past weekend has been fabulous! It was also much needed after two weeks of overtime and two jobs! Woweeee was I tired!
I enjoyed time with Colten, even if all we were doing was watching a tv show or eating supper. I took down our Christmas decorations - finally! Our home is now prepared for the upcoming month of love ;) {more on that to come later}. I went with Colten and my siblings to a nearby 'park', which resulted in lots of laugh and great quality time together. It also resulted in all of us inviting ourselves over to Hil's apartment for supper :). Thanks sis!!
I also may or may not have watched an entire season of Betrayal in only two days. #sorrynotsorry. I've had it sitting on my DVR since it first aired back in October, and I finally decided to see what it was about, and I loved it! Obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have watched the entire season. Luckily for me, the season finale aired on Sunday night, so it was pretty much perfect timing! Yesterday also may or may not have included an accidental nap, which was glorious! Is that even a thing? Yes, yes it is.
It was oh so nice to not have to wake up freakishly early to go to work yesterday. I got things done around the house that needed to be done, all while watching Grey's reruns. Just how I roll!
Can you tell the guys were completely engrossed in their games? Ha!
And now, I'll cease telling you about my mundane, but pretty chill weekend. Another weekend that was just my style: nothing super special or crazy, just the glory of the 'every day' and all of the wonder that I find in it. It makes me happy :).
Family is Forever
I had apparently written a hilarious story about how much I love to fish. Be on the lookout for that later this week ;). We also played some Future Cop on the Playstation 2! Another trip down memory lane! It just kept coming and coming, all weekend long! 
Christmas 2013
This past Friday, although it was after Christmas, we decided to go through the Round Rock's Rockin' Holiday Lights Tour - it's a drive through trail of lights, which was awesome!
Well, it was awesome up until my genius of a husband decided to lose his shoe. Yes, you read that right. Redneck much?! He was driving, and we had the windows rolled down to take pictures of all of the displays. Well, for some unknown reason, he decided to put one of his crocs (shoe) on top of the car. That's right, on top of the car! Well, it wasn't a problem until he sped up and seemingly lost his shoe. After the gorgeous tunnel of lights (as seen above...super cool!), he checked, and his shoe was gone. Well, there were cars behind us, so we had to just finish out the tour. Then, we went back through again! We attempted not to have to pay a second time, but for some reason *rolls eyes*, they just didn't believe him when he said he lost his shoe on the trail and wanted to go back through to retrieve it. Y'all. MY HUSBAND LOST HIS SHOE AT A DRIVE-THRU TRAIL OF LIGHTS! Seriously! I can't make this stuff up! I was a little upset pissed at the time, but then had to laugh it off. So, we paid the entrance fee again and went back through. Luckily, we had an idea of where he lost it. Of course, just driving through wasn't enough for us to locate a BLACK croc in the dark...go figure! He pulled off into a parking lot and then walked {barefoot} with his phone for a flashlight until he located it. Get this...apparently, the shoe was underneath a car that was going through, so he nicely asked the gentleman to move his car. I can only imagine the look on that man's face! Ahahahahaha! Priceless, I tell ya! Priceless. And now, we have an everlasting joke - he's never going to live this one down! He ultimately paid for his shoe twice. Once when they were bought, and again to retrieve it at the trail of lights! Never a dull moment...
We spent Christmas Day with Colten's parents: lunch at his mom's and supper at his dad's. We got lots of goodies - Colten cleaned up with all things Duck Dynasty from his mom and step-dad, including shirts, a hoodie, pants, a cup, etc. I got a matching necklace and ring from Kay's {black diamonds, I'm in love!}, a handmade scarf from Colten's 3rd grade teacher {that thing is gorgeous!}, and a cross for my cross wall at home. :) We also got Starbucks gift cards from his sister - score! We then enjoyed some Fruit Ninja on the Xbox and took a walk after eating a huge lunch!
So, overall, this Christmas was hectic and we drove all over the place, but we spent it with lots of family and love, and it's one I'll never forget!
So {Thankful}
So, last week I did so great blogging every.single.day! This week, not so much! The weekend just got away from me, and I've been super busy ever since. Plus, I'm not feeling so great, so I'm trying to rest up so I feel 100% for the rest of this holiday week! Can y'all believe Thanksgiving is only two days away?! And Sunday, it'll be DECEMBER! Holy WOW!
So, with Thanksgiving being so close ... I decided to write about things I've been thankful for lately. Just something to boost my spirits and help remind me of the greatness while I'm not feeling so great.
+ my family. Seriously, I can never say enough just how much my family means to me! We support each other 110% through thick and thin, and I absolutely adore my family!
+ my husband. He's so amazing and I'm forever thankful to be his wife! He's been so patient and understanding these past few days while I haven't been feeling like myself.
+ cold weather! It's no surprise that I absolutely love cold weather, and it hasn't been disappointing this week! It's been in the 30's all week, and I'm in love!
+ my health. Although I haven't been feeling the greatest these past few days, I'm so thankful I don't have any major health issues and that I'm generally pretty healthy.
+ scarves. I've had a recent scarf obsession and I'm just loving my monogrammed scarf from Caitlin!
+ bloggy friendships. Non-bloggers just don't get it. "You actually talk to complete strangers about your life? Like, serious in-depth life stuff?" Nope, I don't. Blog friends aren't strangers! You tell so much about yourself in the blog world and really open up, so fellow bloggers definitely aren't strangers! They're friends. And sometimes they know more about me than real-life friends. Sometimes.
+ three day work weeks. They're the best! And tomorrow isn't even a full day - we're out at noon!
+ unanswered prayers. I know it's cliche, but it's so true! If all of my prayers were answered the way I wanted them to be, I wouldn't be where I am today and be experiencing my life the way that I am. I'm so thankful that God has a plan for my life and I'm not completely in control! Amen!
+ Christmas decorations! I put up our Christmas tree last Friday, and my mood was lifted instantly! I just love the ambience from the lights and how comfortable it is with the heater running, cold weather outside, and Christmas decorations scattered throughout the house. Perfection I tell ya!
+ Ace. Seriously, our doggy has given me so much joy since we first got him several years ago. He's not a little puppy anymore, though! *sigh* Just this morning, he was loving on me and cuddling with me - I didn't want to leave the house! He just makes me smile when sometimes all I want to do is cry.
{Pops}
He's gone. He's really gone. And it hurts.
My grandpa was one of the strongest men I've ever known, and I truly know where my dad gets his strength - no question. And these last 10+ months have been hard. Let's face it, the last two years have been hard when it comes to my grandpa. Two years ago on November 7th, my grandmother passed away tragically. Now, I won't get into that again since I've already discussed it...read more here. My cousin said it beautifully recently at my grandfather's funeral. When Granny passed away, a huge part of Pops died along with her. Who were any of us to blame him? He had just lost the love of his life and soulmate. They had been married almost 60 years! They lived on a farm and took care of cows, chickens, baled hay, and loved it all. Now, remove a huge piece of that - your partner through it all - and what do you have left? Heartache. That's what. Although the shock really hit me, I can't even begin to imagine what my grandfather felt and went through in the short time he lived without her. I tear up every single time I think about it. He witnessed her death. He was reminded of her every single day living in their house, with all of her trinkets and pictures everywhere...
Following the death of my grandmother, he repeatedly told everyone over and over that 'he was going to the wedding on Saturday, but after that, 'he just didn't know.' The wedding. My wedding. Although it would break his heart to experience this occasion without his bride, he knew how much it would mean to me, his granddaughter, and my future husband to attend our wedding. And he did so, without hesitation and without question. My cousin captured this picture beautifully, and I will treasure it forever.
He lived in their house for many months after her passing and loved his dog, Max, to the moon and back. The smile that the dog put on his face will be one that I will never forget. And then, before I knew it, he was admitted to the nursing home. At first, it was only to recover from a fall he had taken a few days prior, but he never did. Before I knew it, the nursing home was his 'home', and that's where I would go to visit him for the next nine months.
My grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer this year, and the man never smoked a day in his life (that I'm aware of). 19 years ago, he was diagnosed with and beat prostate cancer. This time was much, much different. Through all of the doctors and tests and tears, these past 9 months have been a rollercoaster, to say the least. And I only experienced it as a granddaughter. I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like to go through all of that with a parent or spouse, and just thinking about it absolutely breaks my heart. My dad was so amazing through the ups and downs with his father after losing his mom, and again I am reminded at just how amazing of a man he really is - not only as a father to me and my siblings, but as a spouse, sibling, and son.
Knowing what was going on with Pops, I took advantage of every free weekend that I had. Did it take a toll on our financials? Absolutely. Did it put a strain on my marriage? You betcha! But my amazing husband understood what I was going through - and if he didn't, he supported me and knew that I needed to be at my grandfather's side, visiting him and showing him that I cared and loved him every chance that I could. That made for many, many trips home, all during the summer working overtime and already being stressed out. Needless to say, my anxiety was through the roof! But, I am blessed to be strong in my faith and to have an amazing family that pulls together in difficult times, as well as such great friends!
But with that being said, death really is a rollercoaster! I lost count of just how many times I prepared myself for my grandfather's passing. It's utterly exhausting, both physically and emotionally. But in those moments, I chose not to be selfish. After preparing my mind, heart, and soul to lose him when things were looking bleak, God was not ready for him just yet, and then a few more weeks went by with him seemingly improving. Then, I fell into complacency yet again, into a routine of visiting my grandpa as I had over the years when I'd go home to visit my parents. This happened time and time again, but I refused to allow myself to be selfish and hope for it all to just be over. I wanted the suffering to end for Pops, yes. But was I ready for him to really be gone? Definitely not. I just kept showing up - no matter what was happening, whether it was a good day or not, I would be there as often as I could living two hours away. And I cherished every minute I had with him, even if no words were exchanged. The smile on his face when I'd walk in was more than enough to let me know just how much he appreciated the time and effort I put into being sure I was there for him as much as possible. I knew I couldn't do much to help him, to ease his pain, but if sitting with him for a few hours, talking with him, or playing cards and dominoes with him helped in any way, I am happy to have eased his burden, even if only a small amount. I will live the rest of my days with no regrets in regard to Pops; I saw him as much as possible. I visited every chance I could. I chose him over so many other things that were going on in my life (spending time with my husband, friends, sleep, and other commitments). My response to everyone else in my life was that I was going home that weekend to visit with my parents and grandfather. And they accepted it because they know me. They knew how important it was for me to be there when I could. For that, I am forever grateful!
So, for months and months, that's what I did. I showed up. If he was back at home in the nursing home, I made the trip to visit. If he was here in town at the E.R., I went straight after work to just sit there. And although I couldn't be with him, as only one person was allowed back with him at a time, I showed up for my family. Whether my dad needed someone to talk to, or my aunt needed someone to walk around with to take a break - whatever was needed, I was more than willing to spend my evening in the waiting room with them to be of whatever help I could. And, it was my grandfather, whom I've been close with since before I can remember! I wanted and needed to be there, for myself too. I just hope and pray that I didn't overstay my welcome in those moments; I know that there were so many dark days that my grandfather and his children needed to be together and to make difficult decisions - and sometimes having anyone else there is the last thing they'd want...I just pray that I didn't burden any of those days or decisions in any way, and in my heart, I know I didn't. That's just who I am - I show up. Even if it's just to sit with a loved one or to take care of some chores around the house because they just emotionally aren't up for it - whatever the case may be, I show up. But in all of those moments that I chose to show up for my family, and especially Pops, I don't regret a single one. I am thankful that I was able to be there as much as I was, and those are memories that will last me a lifetime!
Pops lost his battle with cancer on August 7, 2013. I remember that day like it was yesterday, even though it was three months ago. I can't believe he's already been gone that long! Pops was given 2 weeks to live by hospice, and he was determined to beat that timeline. He was so sure that he was going to live longer than what they said he had, and he did. By three hours. It was one more way, after he was gone, that he put a smile on my face. Although he was no longer with us, he was his normal, stubborn self, up until the very end. He lived 2 weeks and three hours from the date he was given only 2 weeks. For that, I am eternally grateful. I needed that joy in those dark moments of grief, and to this day, it makes me smile. He passed away peacefully in his sleep after receiving some pain medication only minutes before. And now, he is no longer suffering. No more tests. No more doctors. No more nurses. No more pain. And knowing those things right there is what makes it easier for me to accept and begin healing from his loss. He is happily in Heaven with his wife, dancing away, pain free! How joyous a thought! Colten and I drove to my hometown that afternoon and spent time with family. The rosary was beautiful, and it was amazing to really see and feel the support of family and friends that made the trip to pay their respects. And to them, I want to say thank you. Again. It truly means the world to me to know that people love on my family and that my grandfather had touched the hearts of so many people during his days on earth. The funeral the next day was an amazing service. I agreed to do one of the readings, and I was nervous! Although I had done it less than two years ago at my grandma's funeral, for some reason the nerves got to me this time. But, I stumbled through it and am so glad that I did it. And then it came time for the grandchildren to say a few words about our cherished grandfather. My cousin had me in tears before it was my turn to speak, and he had pretty much covered everything. But I told myself I would say something and that I wanted to honor Pops as I had with Granny. So, with eyes stinging with tears and my hands shaking, I told everyone in attendance that my love for him was ever so deep, and that no matter what was going on in any of our lives, my grandparents never judged us. They were never disappointed by anything I had ever done and were always happy to see me and hear about what was going on in my life. We laid my grandfather to rest to the sounds of the 21 gun salute and taps being played in the distance. It was the first military funeral I had witnessed, and it was beautiful. He is finally at peace with his love and his Creator.
Pops,
I am so unbelievably saddened by your loss but am thankful you are no longer suffering. I am proud to be your stubborn granddaughter and to have laughed, loved, and cried right along with you throughout the years. Your love for your family and your faith have been carried on and live in me. Thank you for showing your love and support through anything and everything I did, from sports and school, to my wedding day and the sacredness of marriage that I now share with my husband. I have a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever. I can still hear your laugh, and I know that you are laughing in Heaven alongside your bride and Creator, no longer brokenhearted or in pain. I will miss you every day of my life and look forward to the day I will see you again. I love you.
Always, and forever.
Bri
Today, it is painful to drive past his house and know that neither him nor my grandmother will ever be looking out of the kitchen window to see what's going on, to know that I will never sit down to an amazing home cooked meal in their kitchen, by their hands. Today, I miss the joy and laughter that both of them brought to my life. Today, I am having difficulty accepting that I've experienced the first Grandparents Day that I did not have any living grandparents to celebrate with. Today, and every day, my heart hurts. But every day is easier. Time truly does heal, and one day, the raw pain of losing him will be gone, and I will only feel joy and love of remembering him.
One day.
But until then, it hurts.
This will be the first holiday season without any of my grandparents, and I know it's going to be hard, to say the least. It's going to be tough to be in his house and him not be there. All of the memories of my childhood, visiting that house, spending summers helping him and my grandma on the farm, picking eggs from the chicken coop, watching him put out hay, checking cows...they're endless. I know he is in a much better place now, without pain, but this is going to be one tough holiday season! I'm requesting prayers and comfort for me and my family during this time, as we take life a day at a time without our loved one and try to celebrate the joy of this holiday season. He's gone, but he will never be forgotten!
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