Grandma Rosalie's Funeral

The day that my sister's family was supposed to fly back to California (they spent the rest of their trip out here in St. Louis with my parents), we received the call that Grandma Rosalie had passed away.  It was a shock and surprise for all of us, even though her quality of life has been very poor for a long time.  Grandma Rosalie suffered from dementia, which worsened to the point that she didn't know or recognize her own family.  She spent several years in a retirement home in Terre Haute, the last two or so years living in the nursing home section, as she was unable to take care of herself anymore.

My other two siblings from out west flew home, so it was wonderful having us all together for the funeral.  It was a very short, but special time.  Beth brought her oldest, Holly, who's 5.  Eli loved my brother, Ryan, and still talks about how cool it was to drive in his car during the trip.

It was a crazy week, because my parents were supposed to move the Saturday after the funeral (on a Tuesday).  And then the buyers had to back out, which turned out to be a blessing when my parents came down with sickness.

The kids playing together Monday were just so fun to watch.  They came up the stairs after going through Grammie's dress-up box, with Eli in his German hat and vest, Holly in a crown and necklaces, and Noah in bunny ears.  :)  I'm so glad the cousins enjoy playing together and can be such good buddies.  If only they could see each other more often!

Play-doh outside

He kept this hat on as often as we'd let him.  As soon as the funeral was over, it was back on.  Everyone in attendance commented on it!

Eli entering the door like a cat.  :)

We were at the Methodist church in Terre Haute from 10:30-3:00.  Thankfully they had an awesome nursery for the kids to play in!

All 5 of us kids!

Even though my grandma was hard of hearing, which made it difficult to have a conversation with her, I have wonderful and happy memories with her.  She loved to cook for us, and our favorite was roast beef with red applesauce (and always a pie to go with).  We played games inside and outside her house, such as tag, catch, cards, hotel, and candyland bingo.  She let us play on her organ and typewriter, took us to the park to feed the ducks, and always kept her freezer stocked with creamsicles.  She cared so much about her family, and attended every birthday party and holiday and event that she was able to.  She loved God, too, and kept strong faith through her life, in spite of hardships such as breast cancer (twice) and being a widow for nearly 40 years.

While I was in college out west, and also for the first 2-3 years of my marriage, my grandma and I wrote letters back and forth.  I loved writing to her and telling her all about what was happening in my life.  I always knew how much she loved me.

I am thrilled that Grandma Rosalie and Grandpa Adrian are finally reunited, and that she can enjoy her perfectly restored body again.  I'm grateful for the happy memories to always remember her with, and my knowledge that we can be together in heaven someday.

Visiting my grandma in 2009

Grandma meeting Eli