Jan 02
Everyone,
This is a picture of my dad and my boys. They are all playing the Wii and loving it.
This was in October when my parents were here for their annual visit to us. This was the visit that the kids ended up totally sick and we hardly did anything but play on the Wii and hold sick babies. It’s a good thing my parents come often and have seen a ton out here!
Anyway, since this picture has been taken, there has been a change. To my Dad. He is now an orphan. My grandpa died in 2004. And on New Year’s Eve, my grandma passed away. She had a stroke. So now my Dad is parent-less.
We are off to the funeral in a few days. I’ll be taking my computer along to (hopefully) be able to blog while we are there. Until then, I am stressing (slightly) about flying with these boys. Anyone have any tips to deal with 20 month old twins on a 5+ hour flight?
Safire
Safiredeath, my Dad, my family, trips to Utah
Feb 21
Everyone,
A long day of driving for us. We enjoyed Russ’s funeral. I was trying to upload pictures but it just won’t let me do it. I am beat so this will be short.
Russ is loved by many many people. We were late (because we got lost, stupid google maps) and I was shocked to see the entire chapel filled with people. They even opened the overflow and people were standing in the back. Wow. If only I could be as loved at my funeral.
I didn’t know Uncle Russ was in the Peace Corps and went to Ethiopia. I didn’t know he rode his bike to work for years, biking over 200,000 miles. I didn’t know he worked for the Department of Transportation and helped with the Metro here in the DC area. All really cool stuff.
Juice had the best time talking to his Uncles and Aunt and cousins. Butterfly was able to play with some of the kids, although she was pretty tired/cross from having to be quiet for so long. The boys were amazing, as always. We got a lot of comments from him and everyone thinks Pirate looks just like Juice.
The only thing we missed was Grandma and Grandpa.
Safire
Safiredeath, Juice's family
Feb 16
Everyone,
Death has been on my mind the past couple of days. I was going to say I don’t know why but really I do know why. Juice’s Uncle Russ has been dying. I say has been because he died today. I’ve been following his cousin Jen’s blog about his last days. I thankful that she posted these last touching moments with her father. It has made us feel closer to them.
The first time I met Uncle Russ and Aunt Polly (that I remember), we were newly moved to Virginia. I think we had been there a month and we went to see them. They have the most amazing cabin in the woods. I think it was the first time I realized that there still were open spaces in the east. I had thought it was all city city city. Because where we lived, it was. Still, their cabin was amazing. They gave us dinner, we chatted, I learned a little bit more about their family and enjoyed ourselves. Aunt Polly gave us pineapple juice from huge cans and I loved it so much we have a ton of them in our house today.
When we moved here, I don’t think we realized that Juice has a lot of family that lives out here too. But we’ve been to their houses for Thanksgiving, missionary farewells, and they have been to our place for baby blessings and birthdays. Butterfly loves having cousins to run around with. I am still learning every one’s names and faces. I have loved getting Christmas cards from them and seeing them through out the year. It’s nice to have family close by. I miss my own.
Thinking about Uncle Russ’ last days have made me pensive thinking about death. Juice does not fear death. Nor is bothered by it at all. It’s a quirk of his. I don’t fear my own death. I guess I don’t fear death. I’m sad for the people left behind. Because while the departed is just that, departed, the people behind are, well, left. Left without a father, a brother, a grandpa, an uncle. I do believe that we will see these people again. Death is not the end of our life, just another phase. Another door we walk through.
This picture of Russ I believe my dad took at the boys’ blessing in June. I was always so touched they would drive up to see us for these little life celebrations. And on Saturday, we hope to be able to join their family in his own celebration of his life.
Safire
Safiredeath, Juice's family
