Gram B

It's good to be home with family. Gram B passed away early in the morning Friday. Nam, wonderful Nam, arranged my flight to Minnesota and called my office to let them know I'd be taking leave this coming week to spend the week with the family. Though a sad reason to be here, I felt this feeling of relief upon getting into Duluth. I was finally where I could comfort and be comforted by my family, share memories of the good days with Gram, and to say our goodbyes.

Today I went with George, Beverly, Sandy, Peggy and my mom to Bell Brothers funeral home. We sat with one of the funeral directors while he walked us through the memorial, the choices that had to be made, and those that Gram had already made for us years before. The morning was full of laughter and tears as we thought about how Gram would want to be remembered, and how her memorial could reflect that. Later this afternoon, taking comfort in a lasagna Kathy brought over yesterday, we spoke with Rev. Jeff who would be leading the service.

We spent time pouring over old photographs from my parents basement looking for a suitable photo for her obituary. (The obit will appear in the Sunday Duluth News Tribune, I'll post a link when its available.) What could have been another sad moment, was instead a time to laugh and remember the wonderful memories those photos captured. They even showed Gram in a light I'd not often seen - here I'm thinking of the photo of Gram sunbathing while on vacation with Peggy and the one where she has a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other! The many sides of that woman will never cease to amaze me.

Though it was difficult for me, I chose to be a part of this day, of this planning process. I said my goodbyes to Gram this past summer, and the Christmas before that. This helps me have my closure. I'm happy to be home with my family.

Fall has arrived...

Or at least I think it has. The weather here had been unseasonably warm. Then it became unseasonably cold. It's hard to know if we've settled into a more normal weather pattern. But today it seems like fall. The leaves, which were beautifully colored just yesterday, are now falling to the ground under this mornings rain. A cold front has moved in overnight. Along with the rain today, we'll see the temperatures drop from 60's to 40's by noon. From there the outlook is 50's for the weekend. I know that's not cold by Minnesota standards, but its the start to winter here. Today is just a dreary day.

It has been a pretty difficult last few weeks for our family. My thoughts are with Karen as she recovers from her fall. Gram B and the Baker family are in my prayers. Even with ample time to prepare, knowing we will soon say our goodbyes is very difficult for me, especially being so far from my home. Everyday I think of you all, and know that you are close to my heart. Finally, my prayers and sympathy are with my Aunt Millie and our family. Her sudden passing saddens me greatly. You are all in my prayers.