Last weekend we lost Disco's Aunt Val. She had been sick for a long time and as many people say it was "expected." But in the end expecting the inevitable doesn't make it any easier . . . it creeps up too quickly and the sadness still hits family and friends like a freight train.
Our kiddos loved Aunt Val. She was an active woman and very generous to our family. And she was always excited to hear how our kiddos were doing. During the services this weekend I was reminded that Val was one of the people I knew who always used the word "kiddos" (which I also realize I use often on this blog). It was a sad process to attend all the services. But the weather was beautiful each day - a great background for celebrating an avid golfer and outdoors woman. Hearing stories from her firends and family was touching for everyone in attendance.
Before we told the kids, little man asked his grandmother "you make Val all better now?" And in a way his assumption was correct. Val is in a better place and she must be actively directing tee times amongst the angels by now. Big sis took the news fairly well overall. She thought it was cool that her great aunt was in heaven watching over her. She also had a lot of questions. Big sis has been a bit teary and over-exhausted this week and so far we can't tell if it is the schedule changes or sadness that she just doesn't quite know how to express yet.
One thing that hit me hard was the realization that Aunt Val passed away on the actual date of big sis' birthday (Disco's family waited to tell us until after big sis' party which allowed us to enjoy the day). During my third trimester of pregnancy with big sis, Disco and I lost both of our grandfathers. And now her 5th birthday marked another loss in our family. I have to admit that at first I was a little taken aback by these facts. And then I realized that these coincidences just prove how life does go on and that big sis (and little man) are our little bundles of joy and enthusiasm that keep us focused and give us hope during some of our saddest occasions.
So my next post will be all things 5 - a celebration of 5 years of joy. Val would have enjoyed hearing how sassy big sis was on her big day . . . it was her party and she could yell if she wanted too, right? We will miss Aunt Val!
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| Val and Big Sis 2006 |
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| Val and Big Sis 2007 |
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| Val and Big Sis 2007 |
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| Val and Little Man 2008 |
Friday afternoon and evening all we did was play. Big sis rode her bike, Disco took some pictures, little man laughed and giggled with everyone, and I got a little crafty. After being stressed out all week that I just can't seem to keep up with work, home, and family - I gave up. It will never happen. We will just be a fun family that does things together and you are all welcome to join us. But don't expect a clean house, food in the fridge, folded laundry, or finished projects when you visit. Thanks catlady for listening all week - I needed it!! Here are some of my favorite moments from that evening - enjoy!
Disco turned 35 this year. So what did we do to celebrate? Tailgate! It was cold and we were all pretty grumpy by the time we left the cold/rainy stadium. Thankfully we had no plans to actually attend the Hog's game this year - just to eat and visit with friends. Little man finally cut his "fangs" and was in a much better mood. And we stopped to see a few "purple" fans (big sis was so jealous of the opposing team's color choice!). Happy 35 Disco!
