Well, I think its time things start to get back to normal around here.
I feel like I've been in some sort of limbo, between nonstop holiday fun, then a week's vacation followed by wrapping up and sending hundreds of purchases from my Boutique sale. After barely catching up and getting settled back home, a big snow storm hit and then, the bad news about my father-in-law.
This weekend we will be driving the body up to Nebraska where he wanted to be buried. We are also taking his favorite recliner to the nursing home there, but no, we won't be strapping him into that. Although, I do think he might have enjoyed it.
So, I won't be back into my routine for a bit. Thanks for all your messages and kind words, sorry I haven't been able to answer them all. But I read and appreciated each one.
Its a sad time when someone dies suddenly. Its a realization that hopes are cancelled, relationships will never improve, this was it, all there was. Potentials never fulfilled, reconcilliations never made.
My husband's family is amazing. Caring people with sharp wits and the capacity for deep love. All of them came together to be there for each other to celebrate their sibling love and honor their father.
He was not an easy man and like all humans, had his flaws. But I will love him forever for creating this diverse and adorable group. They are all wildly different people with opposite religious, political, and lifestyle views. But all enjoy each other's company and accept the huge variations of their beliefs.
In his last years, my husband's father learned to show a softer side with these two great grand children. Pixie Pie and Sugarwings got through to him.
Sugarwings knew he loved her and that she could make him smile by singing the Nebraska fight song for him. Her memories of Grandpa Ardell will always be good ones.
Even though our home was filled with laughter and fun with all the relatives visiting, she picked up on her Pop Pop's underlying sadness and when he tucked her in at night, she told him, "When I grow up I will go to school and be a doctor and make sick people better. Then your daddy won't die, Pop Pop."
Yes, families aren't perfect. But there are perfect moments in each. We had a lot of those this week. And I am thankful.
Beautifully said Karla !!! Your photos are beautiful above, highlighting the snow. I am glad you had so much family there to gain comfort and strength and joy from !! How is Rich doing, I know this is such a sad time, but he is coping okay? Thinking of you both. Debbie/Harry.
Death is always so hard, your never prepared for it no matter how it comes.I think what you have written is so beautiful and inspirational. It does help to try and look at what good can be found in a sorrowful event… and to try and gain strength from it.
this is a beautiful post karla… it seems like death always brings some new beginnings and the chance to remember how much family means. Thinking of you and Rich… xo Heather
What a thoughtful and loving post, Karla. You bring so much depth and love and thought (and humor) to this — such insight. And of course your photos are lovely and the perfect accompaniment. What a wonderful family you have.
So sorry, Karla…
Funny how we always say to live life,take time for each other…those seem to fall by the side,then a friend is lost suddenly and we learn those lessons again. Seems we have to learn them over and over. Those that sometimes make it hard to love them,teach us…..love is a gift we give,with kindness sprinkled ontop.
Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Hope you have a safe trip to Nebraska and back.
Beautifully said! Glad you found good in a sad time.Warm Hugs sent to you and your family!~Amy
Karla, Your words & thoughts are so beautiful. I’m glad your family could be supportive and sad and happy and whatever they were — together. It makes loss just a teeny bit easier!
Thinking of you with love,
~Marilee
Completely off the topic- which you addressed very warmly and thoughtfully- but darn, those are two cute dogs. Button is starting to look like Twinkle, I think.
Karla,
Sending healing thoughts your way. Children have the amazing ability to crack the hardest of hearts. Sugarwings was simply spreading the magic of her love. I hope you all will experience brighter days soon.
Karla,
Your post brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat! No one could have said it better. Still in my thoughts and prayers. Have a safe trip!
Sandy
lovely and caring post..children do makae older people happier..glad sugarwings will have those memories of her pop pop..take care with your drive..xxx
Outrageous, loving, insightful: That’s just a little of how you are. I’m sitting here fondling my Wizard of Oz tag book and thinking of you and your generosity. Best wishes, Charlotte
This is such a beautiful post. Sugarwings comforting her PopPop is so precious. You’re lucky to have such a wonderful extended family.
~elaine~
Oh Karla
I’ve got a lump in my throat again… you have such a wonderful way with words, straight from the heart.
The artist in you, always observing and capturing those special moments in time, feelings, things that are said.
Do you ever write little poems – I’m sure that’s a yes!!
Take care
hugs
Shane x
Lovely Post Karla~
Your wit and compassion are fabulous. It is amazing how children can draw out a persons real ‘side’. Pixie Pie & Sugar Wings could charm anyone. Loved my Santa!!! Love you!
XO~Hope
Morning Karla..Blessing to you and your husbands family…you picked the good in him & enjoyed it….you are a good positive person…my Dad used to say” death is the best trip of all, thats why they save till the last”I`m not a religious person but it gives me comfort….also my wonderfull family…Lorraine
Karla… I appreciate your insight. I know what happens when someone dies and suddenly the story ends there. No chance for a new ending 🙁 I also know that my Dad is a different man with his grandkids – there’s some magical mix of growing old and being very young, huh?
Karla,
I am so sorry I didn’t see this until now. I am son sad to read about your father-in-law’s sudden death. It sounds like he did a wonderful thing in life by being a father tonsuch an incredibly loving family and loving Sugarwongs and Pixiepie so well. I will be holding you all in my jeartbatnthis tender time.
Love,
Suz
Karla, Peace to your heart as you walk out the tender days in front of you one moment at a time 🙂 ~ Bev