Funerals Are Reunions

Two months ago Aunt Laurel (my dad's baby sister) received a brain cancer diagnosis. It was an aggressive and non classifiable type of glioma. It affected her optic nerves resulting in complete loss of vision. Radiation efforts proved ineffective. January 30th our brave aunt lost her battle with cancer. She is finally able to rest and be at peace. I'm glad she's no longer suffering and can see again. I know she was happy to see her parents and her sister who she said just a back in November when she was in the hospital that she was missing them. 

Dad rented and 8 passenger SUV. Thursday morning Jaime drove me, Dad, Mom, Elizabeth, Jocelyn, and Lori to Malad, Idaho. Uncle Curtis was supposed to be the 8th passenger but unfortunately he came down ill and wasn't able to go. 

Friday morning Jaime, Brian, and I went for a walk. We walked by Grandma and Grandpa's old house. It's barely changed and it made all our childhood memories come flooding back. 

The funeral was nice, touching, and Kaylee's musical numbers were so good. I know Aunt Laurel loved them. 

Dad has had to bury two of his sisters. My heart hurts for him. It also scares me. We never know how long we have someone on this earth. 

The family chose a beautiful cedar casket. Aunt Laurel loved cedar. Something I didn't know was that she made a cedar hope chest in high school and still has it in her house! What a family treasure. 

Uncle Pat and Aunt Laurel had their burial plans made a while back. What a beautiful headstone they have. 

It meant so much to me to have Olivia, Chaz, and Emma come to the services. I loved Olivia's big hug and having her sit beside me during the funeral. Holding my hand, leaning on my shoulder, and giving comfort just by her being there. 

Not all family who was at the luncheon made it in the picture but more were there. I enjoyed reconnecting with family, visiting, and catching up some. 

After the luncheon we went back to the cemetery for another quiet goodbye. Aunt Laurel had been placed in the ground and at rest. 

She's buried near Grandma and Grandpa

and Aunt Mary.

Grandpa's service stone. 

Aunt Laurel had all her baby's names on the back of the headstone. I thought it was such a sweet touch. 

We had to say goodbye to Brian as we were headed to Pocatello and he was headed to Utah for the night. 

When we got to Pocatello we had time to spare before meeting Lindsey and Isaac for dinner. We decided to go browse through Costco. My sweet mom, in true mom fashion, said she wanted to buy groceries for the college kids. So she took Olivia and Emma around and as they pointed out they wanted Grandma had them load up the cart. They filled that puppy up. And, as sweet as my mom is, she can't not shop for her kids as well. She bought something for Elizabeth, Lori, and I. 

When Jaime was gassing up the car we sent Olivia, Chaz, and Emma to Olive Garden to get a table for our large party that would be coming. Since it was a Friday evening we knew that it would get busy. We were pleasantly surprised to see that they were already seated when we got there! So we took our time ordering and even ordered for Isaac and Lindsey. By the time the food was brought out Lindsey and Isaac were there! Really timed out great. 

My Lindsey! I was so excited to see her too. I love getting to be with my girls. 

Emma and Olivia have really enjoyed living together this semester. They've gone to activities, the gym, dates, and hanging out with friends quite a bit. I invited Emma to come with Olivia in March when she comes home to go through the temple. 

Our party of 12! It was such a fun evening. I felt bad in a way because we just came from feeling sad and mourning. But that's what funerals due. The love we have for someone brings us all together and in that time reunited we feel joy and happiness. It's what family is about right? That's why we feel such loss when a loved one passes on. The heartache is only a representation of the love and joy for the family we have. I love my family. Both sides. I love those who are becoming part of our family. 

After overstaying our time in the restaurant we finally went out to the cars. But we didn't leave! We spent some time still visiting out in the parking lot. Brrr, Idaho is cold. Yet we still weren't ready to go. I gave Valentine gifts to Emma and my coupled up kids. Even though they won't be with us for our family Valentine dinner I wanted to give them something and express my love for each other them.

After saying more goodbyes, the 5 headed to Rexburg and the rest of us headed to Boise so our drive Saturday would be shorter. Jaime had to work Saturday afternoon so we got up and hit the road. We got home with time to return the rental car, sit and rest a bit before Jaime had to go supervise a basketball game. I went with him. It only felt fair since he did so much driving. I didn't feel I should just sit at home and rest. I enjoy watching the games though and being able to sit and be with Jaime during the moments that he's able to sit. It was a fast and emotional weekend. Spent with people we love. So, in short, it was hard and sad, but good and happy.