Almost
exactly three months later, my Grandpa Rich joined Grandma Rich in
heaven for eternity. It was a long hard road for my grandpa. He was in
so much pain and suffering from so many different things. He thought he
would pass years ago...and at least before Grandma Rich, but he did not
get that wish. Though the three months must have seemed like forever to
him, he was soon to join his sweet wife and soon to receive a perfected
body. He died on September 26, 2012, and his funeral was held in
Shelley, Idaho on October 1st.
Such a handsome young man!
Not only was he
able to put his pains to rest, this also meant the end to many
sleepless nights of those who loved and cared for him. Who would have
thought the year 2012 would bring such hardship on my family...while at
the same time, provide so many opportunities to gather and support each
other.
The
feelings of loss were tremendous. Not only had we lost Grandpa AND
Grandma in a matter of months, but we also felt the pending loss of the
wonderful and fun-filled house. (The fate of the house is still
unknown.) There was also fear that this would mean the end of fun Idaho
gatherings and visiting of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Yet
again, we were packing up and driving to Idaho. The drive with Charlie
was not as enjoyable as it was last time (he slept the entire way when
he was two weeks old). This time he was three months old and required two
rest stops for a break and nursing. When we arrived, it was so fun to
see the whole family able to gather again. I know I sound like a broken
record on this blog, but I love, Love, LOVE going to Idaho! We stayed up
late each night playing games: the Animal Sound game and Mafia. Mafia
was a newly introduced game and kept us entertained for HOURS...as
people became better and better liars and manipulators! It was great! I
think Jason and Brad got the least amount of rest, as they stayed up
late and got up early to go fishing.
After the viewing, enjoying Kettle Korn that Jason made:
Playing Animal Sounds in the basement...such a hoot!
(Notice on the left: Lynze putting on lipstick...we all put a red lipstick kiss on a handkerchief that went inside the coffin with Grandpa)
Jason's morning fish on the Snake River
The
funeral service was so special and wonderful. It was so fun to hear the
different stories about Grandpa. Some were familiar and some were
completely new. I was shocked the service lasted two hours!!! But I
enjoyed every minute of it! I was the grandchild called upon to speak
from our family this time. Due to the stress of taking care of Charlie, I
hoped someone else would step up to do it, but there were no takers. I
was frustrated at the time, but looking back I am so grateful I had that
opportunity. What a special memory.
Family picture in front of Grandma and Grandpa's
After
the funeral service, we had a big lunch in the cultural hall, and then
continued to the burial at the Parker Cemetery. It all felt too
familiar....deja vu? Grandma Rich’s funeral followed the exact same
pattern. After returning home from Parker, we took full advantage of the
great weather and large yard. Cousins played soccer and Annie-I-Over
for a couple hours until it got dark.
(Notice Charlie's bandaged arm...will explain in a minute)
Enjoying food and outdoors after the funeral:
Jayden and Charlie
The little girls just loved holding him...when he would be good enough to let them.
So
I must tell you, the morning of the viewing...Jason and I had one of
those awful parenting moments! We are not fit to be parents! As we were
getting ready for the service, I plugged in my curling iron and set it
by the sink as I usually do. Charlie hadn’t been bathed for a couple
days since we had been staying in Idaho and was looking pretty greasy.
We thought it would be a good idea to just wash his head/hair. We
intended this to be a quick thing, so we just held him and put his head
up to the sink. We started cupping water onto his head when all of a
sudden he started screaming!
We looked at each other and thought that was strange, so we double
checked the water temperature...that was fine. Then I looked over and
saw the curling iron and saw his arms flailing on top of it. He was
waving his arms in pain and, in the process, kept hitting the hot iron.
Needless to say, we starting freaking out...and in the drama and
hysteria, Charlie slipped from our grasp (thinking the other had a hold
on him) and he fell to the floor. Luckily, the bathroom floor is carpeted
with fluffy, pink carpet and that he didn’t hit any of the sink or
cabinets on the way down. Oh my gosh, we just felt so terrible! We held
him and comforted him as he cried....he is such a strong boy, he finished
crying within a minute. After an hour or so, we could see huge blisters:
one coming off his pinky and one underneath his pinky on the side of
his hand/arm. We bandaged him up with neosporin and gauze. We felt
bad enough as it was, we didn’t need to go around advertising the wound
to the whole family...explaining the incident. But that is kind of what a
huge hand bandage will do. Charlie, we are so sorry! I have never felt
so bad in my life! (Now, two months later, the burns look really
good...only a slight pink coloring remains. Thank goodness!)
Sweet little boy...before we traumatized him
Some great family photo opportunities in the yard:
Miss you Grandpa!
And we sure will miss this place!
