Plans Changed

I have been away from my blog for quite some time and/or unable to write, and this is why...

When I woke up Wednesday, Nov. 18, I didn't expect my day would begin as it did. I had many missed calls and messages from my Daddy and Sister, Haley. My grandpa (Pa) had passed away in the wee hours of the morning. He was 93 and fighting lung cancer, and was seemingly "ready to go". But that didn't make it any easier. He was strong as an ox, cheerful, and we were the ones who weren't ready. My sister and I had a trip planned two weeks later to visit him.

After hearing the news and dwelling over the fact that terrible things always seem to happen around the holidays (and my birthday), my next steps were to call in to work and then spend hours on the phone with Delta/Northwest trying to arrange for my travel. And let me tell you, customer service and sympathy were sure not their strong points on this day. Luckily, I got it worked out and made the long journey to Mountain City, TN (it worked out where I would return to SLC the evening of my birthday, and would head out again the next day for Michigan with Charlie for Thanksgiving). Below is the sort of thing you will see in Mountain City. It's the kind of place that is difficult to find these days. Where everyone knows everyone; where everyone carries and knows how to use it; where everyone works with their hands; and where your word is as good as a contract.

I was dreading the emotional stress of my visit to Tennessee. But it turned out to be quite pleasant. During my travels, I had plenty of time just to think. I discovered that my outlook on death, particularly when a person dies after a long life, has changed over the years. I now see it as another step of life, something you can't stop, and something you can't dwell over. The feeling is quite liberating actually. My grandfather was honored in a service that would have pleased him greatly.

Another thing that happened was I got to spend time with family, and even go through some old photos (like the one below--oh how I love my sister) and old relics telling stories of our family's past. Pretty cool, I must say. I now have a canvas flour bag from the days of Shupe's Mill to frame for our house.

I arrived home the evening of my birthday to be greeted at the airport by my loving husband and Logan, who was donning a Happy Birthday balloon attached to her collar. Dinner, then a few winks of sleep and it was back in the air for our visit to Michigan for Thanksgiving. More to come later. I am back at it!