Life is a Roller Coaster

Once again, it has been a long time since I posted.  It seems that life continues to get more and more crazy, with moments of highs and intense lows.  I feel as though we are on a roller coaster with no brakes.  Uff-dah.  Two weeks ago I loaded up my car and headed to the cities to be with the family for what we knew was going to happen- the death of my Grandpa.  I decided to spend all day on Wednesday with my Grandma so that my Mom could get to the office and get some work done.  I go back and forth trying to decide if it was a blessing or not, but regardless, I was with my Grandma when my Grandpa took the last breath of his life. It was so emotionally overwhelming to sit in that room and listen to my Grandma sing to him, pray for him, watch him hold his hand, and utter her loving goodbye as she left his side.  That image, I think, is burned into my memory and is one that replays itself often.  Each time is just as heartbreaking as the day it happened.  They spent 67 loving years together.  And their marriage should be what all married couples strive to have.

The funeral was last Monday and the burial was last Tuesday at Fort Snelling.  I have never been to a military funeral before, and it was beautiful- hard, but beautiful.  Complete with a 21-gun salute, "Taps," presenting of the flag to my Grandma, and a final salute to my Grandpa, it was quite emotional.  Now, I need to be happy about the fact that he had a wonderful life, filled with so much love and happiness.  He is indeed in a better place, and I am willing to bet that he is patiently waiting to see his "Marce" again.  I just hope that the pain that my Grandma is now feeling gets a little easier to deal with, with each passing day. 

My Grandma and Grandpa

I was able to head up to the lake for the rest of last week, and it was exactly what I needed to unwind from life.  The weather was perfect, the lake was warm, and my Vitamin D intake has been fulfilled.  Jen came up for a couple of days and we managed to fill the time with plenty of laughs, some friendly competition in yard games, and conversations on life.  Perfect. When she left, the rest of the family showed up, and it was nice to see the entire crew (minus a few) for some 4th of July fun.  Its too bad that every weekend can't be a holiday weekend...

I am back at home now, gearing up for the upcoming Bathroom remodel.  Today was spent picking out the towels and curtain so that I can start planning for paint and tile.  I am going to be so excited to have it all completed.  Only 3 more weeks!!!