Bittersweet weekend

Last weekend Hope and I traveled to my grandmother's funeral. I wasn't sure about taking her, since she had only met my grandmother once and didn't remember her, and because I was worried about her seeing my Dad so upset. But I knew she'd love to see the rest of the family, and that her presence might lighten the otherwise sad situation.

Even though it was a long drive for such a short visit, Hope enjoyed every minute of cousin time she got. And she was a pro on the drive (6 hours each way). She played the "word game" for at least half of the trip - so cool that she can do that now!

The funeral service itself was very nice. I hadn't expected there to be an open coffin, but Hope took it in stride. Neither of us had ever seen that before. She said it was creepy at first, but she "got used to it." And while I know my Dad's heart was very heavy that day, he really was able to temper his sadness with joy for his mother's homegoing. I was glad for the positive message the pastor gave.
Afterward the ladies of the tiny country church put on what they call a "feed." I'd heard of these massive spreads, but I was amazed to see in person just how much food and care this small group of ladies put out for a bunch of mostly out-of-towners. It was more food than I could imagine, made by just a couple of very generous and hospitable women. God bless them!

Daddy and Grant stayed behind, but they stayed super busy! They did tons of chores around the house, and lots of errands in preparation for the enormous graduation party we hosted at the end of the weekend. But they squeezed in a lot of "buddy time" too. Daddy took Grant to some of his favorite places to play, and they lived it up in our absence.





In fact, since we've been home, Grant keeps telling me he "realllllly misses Daddy." I guess it was the first time Hope and I have both left town for a weekend, leaving the boys home alone. I think they enjoyed it!