Not Our Plan

I was really excited to blog about all of our fun activities over spring break.  Unfortunately, we were reminded that we are not in control.  On April 3, we unexpectedly lost Kenny Pops.  This comes just 18 months after losing Mimi.  When talking to the kids about it Elizabeth gently reminded me that we also lost Jack (our dog) not so long ago.  Needless to say we are still processing this change of events.

We buried Mimi and Pops together on April 16.  It was a very warm spring day and the cemetery reminds me of a beautiful park with rolling hills and pathways.  I look forward to being able to take the kids there someday.  We won't have the monument done until this summer.  The pastor from our church did the graveside service.  Many people got up and spoke, including a very brave husband and sister-in-law.  It was as perfect as a burial can be.  We had four gerber daisies in each of the grandkids favorite colors on the table (purple, pink, orange and green).

We hosted a Celebration of Life for Kenny afterwards at the same place we had lunch following Robin's service.  We tried our best to keep the mood light.  We had his playlist from his iPad playing and drinks and appetizers.  Our best efforts to avoid any type of receiving line forming paid off. It was a nice and relaxed, mingling atmosphere.  There were pictures and a few display tables for people to browse.  There was a place to share a memory of Kenny so we can make a memory book for the kids the way we did for Mimi.  Brandon had his best friends from both college and high school attend.  The kids were able to join us and celebrate too.  Overall, we were extremely pleased with the way the day played out.

There are a lot of emotions to work through and things that have to be handled, but we are taking things one day at a time.  The kids haven't asked too many questions.  They seem to be very accepting of the situation and because death is not unfamiliar territory to them I truly believe they comprehend.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this family.  The way Brandon and his sister work together and are able to talk things through is such a breath of fresh air. I am forever grateful for their strong relationship and smile to myself because I know it is the same for me and my brother.  It certainly doesn't take away the sting or the shock of the loss, but it is nice to know your sibling has your back and that you can rely on them for anything.  

Our family has had two wonderful people taken too early from us, but as Amber likes to tell Stella, the stars are like peepholes from heaven and they are always looking down on us.  Even in the daytime when we can't see the stars, they are still there, always keeping watch.