Reflection

This has been a year that can only come every once in a blue moon. So much has happened. Gained a sister in law (with a niece and nephew on the way) and lost our wonderful, amazing, loving Pap. And my first fall at TWU was so insanely intense with schoolwork always there looming over my head. Good thing though is all my hard work paid off. I got all As in my classes. It makes me feel like it was all worth it, even though it took so much out of me.

Pap was always invincible to all us grandkids, so it came as an extreme shock when the pneumonia took over his immune system and God called him home. I'm happy that he's not in pain any more, but there is a part of my heart missing too. It was insanely amazing to see how many people showed up to the funeral. They had an overflow room in the fellowship hall across from the main building of the church. They had a video feed playing in the room so they could see the service George Battey was giving that Pap wanted. It was rough going to the funeral home the day or two before that to view the body, but I couldn't not go. I wasn't ready for it to be final, so I took a few pictures. I know that is probably really weird and out of the norm, but I needed something to hold onto. I came back a week later to watch Kirsten show her goats and didn't have much free time, which was good because it distracted me from the sadness. I hurt for the rest of the family because I don't know how rough it is for them. Especially Kirsten and Alicia because they'd been up here with Pap the last few months, when he was in the hospital. They were there with him when he made his journey back home to be with his Heavenly Father. I'm just glad we are such a close family that we can share all our feelings no questions asked. I know it won't be easy for a long, long time, but I sure am glad we can be there for each other.

A day after what would have been Pap's 72nd birthday, we celebrated the union of Justin and Katie, with Henry and Abby in tow in Katie's budding belly. It was non-stop going getting things ready, but it was a cute, small, sea-side ceremony. Although me and Mom had to get home the day after the ceremony, it was a much enjoyed trip with the family. I am so glad Justin and Katie found each other. They compliment each other quite nicely, even when Justin is being a big fart. Katie has a wonderful, loving, calm spirit that is very much needed in our family.

Last weekend I went to Oklahoma with Kelli and Shelby to visit Liz and Caitlin, while the rest of the family had Christmas at Granny's house. Oklahoma was very chillax and a much needed vacation after a long semester. We went to Fishbonz the first night, played some pool, and Kelli and Liz made some new friends. We then had fun with those guys playing darts! Getting back to Liz's close to 4:30 or 5 threw off my sleeping schedule, but I made up for it with small dozes here and there. Another night Liz, Kelli and I went to the Hard Rock Tulsa where I got a fire fighter calender signed!! That was a highlight of the trip seeing as I love fire fighters so much! haha. We went to Utica square one of the days and got some shopping done. It was fun to just hang out and shop with the girls. We went with Mr. and Mrs. Po to go see a light festival kind of thing which was pretty cool, but nothing like the million lights one they'd had at Abilene before. The last night we were there, we hung out and watched Across the Universe, Empire Records, and Taken. It was definitely better than going out and doing anything, as all of us were pretty beat from all the activities of the week.

Since Bryce had a wedding he was in the same time I was in Oklahoma, we didn't make the family Christmas at Granny's (it's weird not saying Granny and Pap's, even though I might still say that from time to time because that's what it will always be to me). So, right now Bryce and I are up here in Winters. We opened our presents last night. I got a foot massager from the Gruns, a Chick-fil-a gift card and turtle necklace from Gena and Nathan and a movie from Alicia and Travis. There was a cute towel I think Granny gave me. Like every year, we have a bunch of bags with a couple dollars in each one. We also have a little envelope that each of us get every year with money in it. This year it was a good amount (which will definitely be going to my savings). Then Granny told us it was money from the last job Pap did, and that about broke my heart. I noticed it had the same effect on Bryce because he was all talkative right up until Granny said that. I just threw in that the money was going right to the savings and it seemed to help loosen up the sadness. It will be rough for a very long time, but as long as we're there for each other, we will get through it.

Thank God for a close-knit family. I couldn't ask for more.