Zach and I left the ranch this morning at 6:30am. We needed to make Ottawa, Ks by 6:30 pm and I figured 12 hours was enough time to make it with stops and not feel rushed. BUT, we had to turn around twice this morning. The first time we forgot to get some mail that needed to go out. The second time we got all the way off the gravel road and Zach realized that he had forgotten his wallet.
So at 7am we pulled out of our driveway for the third
time and headed south. The trip to Kansas was fairly uneventful save for some heavy rains on the eastern side of South Dakota.
We got into Ottawa at around 6pm, checked into our room and cleaned up to join the folks/family for appetizers at the Applebee’s up the road. Zach and I headed out early to get mom to the funeral home prior to the viewing starting. Then it was crazy from then on out, meeting people that were friends of Grandmas, seeing relatives I haven’t seen in years, and basically playing catch-up.
Grandma looks beautiful in her pink dress and manicured nails. When I was very young, and she was able, she always did herself up everyday. She was never seen not looking well put together. Maybe that’s where I get it. I will really miss her sing-songy voice. And her happy smile. I decided on the drive down today that maybe I am a foodie because of her too. The woman’s memory was just sharp as a tack. She could remember what they served at the Christian Women’s Luncheon in November from 30 years ago! Spend as much time as you can with the elderly in your life. They’re worth it.
After the viewing my sister, brother, sister-in-law, and my first cousin, Jack joined Zach and I for supper at one of the Mexican restaurants in town. It was a lovely time of good food, good drinks and great company and we got the chance to catch up on everyone’s life. Jack lives in Hollywood and is an actor so we don’t get the chance to see him that often. I just love him!
As a funny aside: I met the funeral director and she asks me, are you the daughter that lives in South Dakota? I said, well yes. And she says, your mother was talking about you and how you went to college, but that she doesn’t know why you went to college because now all you do is run around with the horses and the Indians. Zach thought that was the funniest thing. True, I do. I run around with horses and I LOVE my Indian, Zach!
I really hate that a funeral is what brings families together. What I’d much prefer is that they be together because they make time for each other in their daily lives. I’m rambling. I should go to bed…
Oh! I'm happy for you guys but sad for me. I hope someone will send me pics of Grandma. I had asked mom to buy pink lilies for grandma and lo and behold that is what your mom picked for her casket. She always loved flowers.
I'm sitting in my home with every window either covered with boards or typhoon shutters waiting for another tropical storm/typhoon to pass. Getting candles, flashlights etc ready in case of loss of power and water. But at least I don't ever have to scrape ice from my windshield:)
Love you guys. I hate it that I'm not there. Send pics if you can.
Nah, don't hate that funerals bring family together. It's a celebration of her life and the fact that you all respected her and loved her enough to come together at this time is a great tribute to her. And her last gift to all of you.
Ha Ha! "Girl who runs with horses and Indians" I love that! And I'm glad you were able to see family and catch up.
When I saw the picture of your grandmother in a newer post, one of the first things I noticed is that her nails were done! I've seen a woman that old with her nails done and I thought, "That is so cool!"