To Be With Her Again

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!

At Grandma's funeral (the last time I saw him)

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!