Together again

We went to Texas on Friday, January 5th to be there in time for Holly's 30th birthday party Jason was throwing for her on Saturday at their Country Club. We also knew before we left that Mark's Granddad was not doing well and could maybe pass away at any time. So, we packed enough clothes to be able to stay for a week or so. The party went on as planned on Saturday and we spent the next week there. We got to spend a lot of time with Holly, Jason and Jacob! It was great seeing them almost daily. Jacob is a sweetie pie! We also got to spend some time several days at Granddad's nursing home with him. It was good for Mark and the boys to get to see him! We got the call on Friday morning that he had passed. The funeral was in Abilene, TX on Tuesday so we left out for Abilene on Monday morning. It had iced that morning so that made the ride there very interesting! The family that could make it in, all stayed in the same hotel. The boys loved that because their cousins were there too! (Cole, Nathan, Daniel and newest addition, Lydia). We all went out to dinner at Mark's favorite, Joe Allen's, for steak and b-b-q. It was great spending time with everyone. I just wish it wasn't for that reason.

On Tuesday, we went to the visitation/funeral/graveside. I must say it was one of the best funerals (if there is such a thing) that I have ever been to. It was more like a life celebration than a funeral. Those who spoke that day, truly brought out who Granddad was. Each one of them spoke about what a wonderful husband, father, friend, fisherman and most of all, a Man of God, that he was. Even if you didn't know him very well (like me, I had only got to spend time with him a few times), you left there feeling like you had known him all of your life or that you should would have liked to. He was loved so much by all of his friends and family and will be dearly missed but we know he is in a better place and that brings us comfort.

Here are some pictures of our time with family!