It's not my normal life to jump on an airplane mid-week and leave all responsibilities behind. It's not my normal life to jump on an airplane period. I can count on two hands the times I've sat in a chair that was above a cloud. This makes me such a novice in the airport. I think the TSA people can sense that I'm weak because they always prey on me. I had some bling on my jeans pockets so they swabbed my hands in case I used the bling to fire a handgun recently. The ink on the boarding pass I printed at the airport was almost out so they got suspicious of me again as I boarded. I tell you. It's so nerve-wracking. There were hiccups with the flight home too, but I will spare you those. Because I really want to talk about the reason I was abnormally flying mid-week.
I was able to attend my Grandma Shirley's funeral.
When I left Phoenix it was 78 degrees. Then I woke up my first morning in Idaho to this view from my in-laws windows.
Only three of my nieces and nephews were able to come too. I am so in love with these beautiful, quirky kids.
Music is usually a big part of family get-togethers. Here Brandon (who I was lucky enough to share a good portion of the travel time with) and Dad jam out on geetars.
The funeral fit Grandma's personality exactly. Stories of her funny sayings she was famous for in the family were shared and there were lots of laughs. Grandkids shared their favorite memories, and my dad gave the life sketch, most of that from Grandma's own words that she wrote and are posted on rossshirley.blogspot.com.
The weather at the cemetery was not so perfect. Typical of Idaho a piercing wind bit hard and it was hard to hear Uncle Ard's dedicatory prayer. We didn't stay long. It was muddy and slushy too. I'm not used to dealing with such weather adjectives.
It was wonderful to catch up with cousins I hadn't seen since Grandpa's funeral in 2008. It's sad that the direct link with them is severed with Grandma's passing, but we are blessed to have Facebook and email and instagram and lots of ways to stay connected that other generations haven't had. I will always be able to see what they are up to, and we will have to make the effort to get together on occasion. This is a great family, and I'm blessed to have been born into it. Grandma instilled in us an unequaled dedication and devotion to family. We will keep that legacy alive in honor of her.
I didn't know if I would see this poor doggie alive again. Annie has had cancer for a while now and doesn't want to play catch like she used to. My kids love this dog. She has always had a soft spot in their hearts.
Speaking of hearts, this kid gets right in yours and fills it all up in seconds. I love this nephew! He oozes happiness all the time. I asked his mom how does she ever know if he's ever hungry or tired, because he never gets fussy? She says he will start to grunt a little and that's how they know. Seriously. He's the fattest, sweetest angel!
This is fatty's daddy, Brett, my brother growing the best stache ever. I really don't know anyone else who could pull this off. It's awesome.
I loved bonding with these kids, but it was great to return to my babies. When I came home I got a warm reception from a little girl who was sure her mom must have disappeared. She ran to me with open arms and I promised her I wouldn't be flying mid-week away from her any time soon.
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