Today we attended a funeral for my great Aunt Nell in Russellville, KY. We left the house around 8:30 to meet Paige and Lance. We drove up there with them. Nell was the youngest of my grandmothers sisters. She was a wonderful lady that I will remember forever. She was so dainty and sweet. Most people can't even say they know who their great aunt was. But I can, and always will because she was my grandma's sister. I was very close to my grandma and grew up listening to grandma tell stories about her sisters, especially Nell b/c they were very close. The funeral was a sweet and simple funeral that really told the story about Nell. They played a great video of her and her life in pictures that was set to music. The funeral reminded me of my Grandma's funeral. Seeing all the familar faces that were there at Grandma's funeral. After the burial, we all walked over to where my Grandma and Grandpa were buried. Mom brought a Christmas wreath and put it at their grave. I really miss my Grandma so much. I wish that she could see me with my kids. I think about her every single day. As I am doing my daily things around the house, I often think...."How would Grandma do this? or How would Grandma handle this situation." It isn't fair that she isn't here to help me, but I know her spirit is around me everyday. I hear her voice sometimes telling me to play with my kids and not to worry about making sure the house is perfect. My Mom tells me that too. Both Grandma and Mom were clean freaks. I am somewhat a clean freak, but I actually like playing with the boys rather that cleaning house. Kinda weird I know...
After the funeral, we went to their church and had a lunch that was provided by the church. It was good to see all my distant relatives. My Mom pointed out a little old lady sitting at a table whom she said knew my Grandmother very well. She was one of my Grandma's best friends when they lived in Springfield. Of course that intrigued me, so I scurried over to meet this lady who was so close to Grandma. Her name was Ms. Price. She said that she and Grandma were best friends and they used to do so much together. Go play cards, make dinner, and just talk about things going on in the town. I asked her what she remembered about Grandma. She said she remembered Grandma being so beautiful. She said she always seemed to have things together and that she was fun to be around. Ms. Price remembered my Grandpa too. After chatting a while, it was good to have found that connection to my Grandma who I miss so much. I love talking to older people. They have such a history. This lady was 91. She looked so good for her age. Her mind was clear as a bell. She remembered so much about Grandma. I love hearing stories about Grandma.
The boys did great at the funeral b/c Matt and Lance kept them in the playroom during the service. When we went to the church for lunch, the boys barely ate b/c they were running around with their cousins. My 2nd cousin Andra has a little boy, Campbell who is 4 1/2 and a little girl who is about Jake's age. We don't get to see them much except for special occasions. So when they play together, they play hard. Needless to say, the boys conked out as soon as we got in the car.
After dinner, Matt turned off the TV and we listened to Christmas music until the boys went to bed. Matt and I love listening to Christmas music. It really calms us and gets us in the spirit of Christmas. Matt and I also have a little ritual we have been doing every night for about a year or so....we always have a glass of grape juice.(It has to be Welch's). Don't know why,,,,but we are addicted. After the boys go to bed....we come downstairs and pour each other a glass and drink it and un-wind after the busy day we've had. It's kinda funny, but it's our ritual.
Write more later....