Photos 05 Aug 2008 07:45 am
Trip to West Virginia
Days 53, 54, 55 - August 2-4
I’m not going to write a long post about my trip to West Virginia for my grandmother’s funeral. But if you’re interested in what we did for three days you can also take a look at the pictures I’ve included.
I arrived on Saturday in Columbus after flying all day - my mom was waiting for my flight to arrive and we drove together to West Virginia - outside Parkersburg is where my grandfather lives. He and my grandmother were married for 56 years and had spent nearly the last 30 in a home they built together on some acreage. So my entire adult life I’ve made trips out to the “farm”. I have so many fond memories of the time we spent out there barefoot, in cutoffs and running wild. All the cousins (there are 7 of us on this side of the family) made the trip out to West Virginia for the funeral. All of us - except one brave wife, Shanna - were without our spouses and on the farm together for the first time in probably 20 years. We relived old stories, caught up with our individual lives, and made up new funny stuff. Overall, considering the circumstances, we had an awesome time. It was such good family time to be all together again with our parents, our grandfather, aunts, uncles, distant cousins. We had to have some competition and the best arrangement we came up with was a kickball game followed by a campfire, hotdogs and s’mores. You can see more in the pictures.
Although it’s difficult to relive the memories without my grandmother around to laugh along with us, we’re so blessed by the example of Godly marriage our grandfather has displayed these last few years and the wonderful memories their farm have provided us all over the years. Goodbye Grandma. You are loved and missed. We’ll see you again soon.
As for service, I dedicated these last three days to serving my family. I know God was honored by this trip, the sacrifices we each made to be here, and the love that we rekindled and shared. We love you, Lord - thank you so much for the amazing blessing of a close family.
-
- Walmart hours. Apparently no one drives or has tire trouble after 7:00pm
-
- Changing the tire a second time... two hours later
-
- This is the back of Grandpa's house
-
- This is how a VP and CEO assist with a tire change
-
- Ah, now it looks like they are helping
-
- This little church watches over Grandma now - began in 1890
-
- Cute little country church
-
- Yep, it's flat. Only about 10 minutes from the farm. Fantastic.
-
- Grandma has the best view of the hills she loved so much
-
- Grandma has the best spot in the place
-
- A welcome sight in your rearview mirror
-
- There is nothing like VERY fresh corn on the cob
-
- Kickball game. There were a few heated moments during this match
-
- No, we could not go three days without breaking out the mac
-
- More waiting for the tire repair
-
- No, he's really not helping at all
-
- That's my cousin Paul. He's wearing a headband and wristbands.
-
- Project Manager changes tire. VP assists
-
- We were glad to see John and his tools. John is a Hilly.
-
- Don't eat here. At least avoid the fish and the "chocolate" pudding. Trust me
-
- Acreage of Grandpa's farm
-
- The hills are alive with the sounds of cousins' threats and taunting
-
- Still waiting for tire repair
on 09 Aug 2008 at 6:48 am 1.robbie said …
Oh girl, what memories you made! I just got back from a funeral in Arkansas, a super quick trip…but it was so good to reconnect with some cousins that I haven’t seen in years.