Joy and Sadness
Today has been a horrible, yet good day. Does that make sense? Not really. Today is my oldest child’s 21st birthday. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday she was toddling through the house. I am so proud of the woman she has become. She is strong, has a great work ethic and loves her family (no matter how crazy we are).
Besides her birthday, today we celebrated the life of my Grandmother. It has been just over a week since she passed away. Her body finally arrived home in Chicago on Wednesday, the wake was yesterday, and today was the funeral. We had a simple service at the funeral home, were the normal scriptures were read. We also had Grandma’s niece Sue read a few personal statements made by her daughters, and then another niece, Debbie read two poems that were written especially for Grandma, by her niece Nancy. Nancy is so talented, her poetry is always beautiful and easily brings a tear to your eye as you listen to her words describing any family member. The service closed as any Christian service would, with prayer.
Following the funeral, we all went to the cemetery were there was another short service. This service was concluded when Debbie sang In The Garden. Debbie has the most beautiful voice. I cannot believe the talent that surrounds my family.
After all of our sadness today, the family came together and shared lunch at a local banquet facility. After that we went to my Aunt’s house, had dessert and got to just spend time together. We topped the night off with some home movies from our trip in 2004, when we went with Grandma to West Virginia for a family reunion. The family movie was archaic, on VHS. We got many laughs out of it. But, at least I have some movie with Grandma and it is not just silent. I love that I will always be able to remember how when she told a story, if the story tickled her, she would rock back and forth and laugh so hard. It is a priceless video and I cannot wait to get it converted to DVD so I can upload parts of her stories here.
I am very sorry for your loss of your Grandma. May she rest in peace. I was touch with the blog of visiting her in her final days. God Bless. A reader from Canada
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you sharing in the genealogy world. I’ve given you the Happy 101 Award at Luxegen Genealogy and Family History. I hope it makes you feel a little better. Thank you for taking the time to make and maintain a genealogy blog.