Tears and Smiles

This past week was very long for us. The girls and I left last Tuesday afternoon and traveled to DeWitt (AR) for my grandmother's visitation. We were greeted by my dad, cousins, and great-uncles that haven't seen me since I was little (other than the ones that I would occasionally see at my grandmother's). I avoided looking at my grandmother the entire time we were there, but managed to say my good-byes before we left. The funeral home did a nice job with her and she looked better than he did the last time I saw her alive. She looked so peaceful, which was comforting to me. After visitation, we made our way to St. Charles, which is where my grandmother had been living prior to her being ill. We stayed in one of the cabins used during duck hunting season. I think it slept over 30 people, so there was plenty of room and lots of people. Luckily, there were 2 other smaller cousins there that were close in age to my girls. That was nice because they had someone to play with. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much that night...but I don't think anyone else did either.
The next day we prepared ourselves for the funeral. We first traveled to Bayou Meto, where my grandparents lived years ago. Before the service, we were able to grab snacks and got to visit with family members that weren't with us the night before. I got a chance to visit with cousins I haven't seen since I was 15 years old (and in case you guys ares seeing this...it was good to see you, Jeremy and Nikki). It's always good to see family that you haven't seen in so long, but a shame that you meet under bad circumstances. Around late afternoon, we had the funeral service, which was nice. My grandmother had a wonderful, FULL life, and for that you are always thankful. I managed to hold back tears until I saw my dad and his siblings crying. That was very hard for all of the grand kids. At one point, I looked at Katie and she was bawling...and then I finally broke down. I think that was about the time that the pall-bearers were leaving with the casket. I knew that was it...she would be gone forever. We left the church heartbroken and made our way back to DeWitt, where she was laid to rest between my grandfather (who passed away back in '85) and my dad's little brother (who passed when I was a little over 1 month old in 1977). That was such a hard day for me and the girls, so we decided to spend the night at the cabins again. I didn't physically have classes Thursday and knew I wouldn't miss much and made a phone call the next morning to Katie's school, who was excused. We took her books down with us so she wouldn't get behind.

Our sadness turned to joy Thursday. As we traveled back home, we made some stops along the way. We stopped by the cemetery that morning and said one more good-bye. I also picked a beautiful rose from the spray of flowers that was laid on top of my grandmother's grave. I did the same thing when my mom's mother died almost 6 years ago. I dried it out and placed it in a box, which smells so good everytime you open it!! A little reminder, I guess. Anyway, we stopped by my to see my "Poppy". This is my mom's dad....and now my last living grandparent. We don't get to see him much, so it was good to see him. He LOVES my girls, so I know he was very excited to see them!! After that, we made a special trip to Gillette to see my cousin's triplets, whom we have only seen through pictures. Along the way, we stopped by my other grandmotehr's grave to say our "I love you's". So the triplets....boy, are they something else!! And cute as can be!! They have the cutest curls in their hair!! Unfortunately, my cousin and his wife were working, but one of the grandmothers was there with them. I think we stayed for 2 hours playing with them. We had a great time and when we left, they cried. I felt so bad!! They don't get to leave the house much. other than to play in the yard or to take a stroll around the neighborhood. I imagine it's hard to go anywhere with 3...who are all the same size and age!!

We finally made it home around 5:30, went to dinner, and went to bed. I was so tired and glad to be home. I don't know who was more excited to see us...my husband or the dog!! Or should I say...the dog or my husband!!