Eric's dear grandmother passed away just a few days after we introduced her to Garrett. So we went back. Praise the Lord that all of us could go!
This was our solution to needing to eat and taking care of Garrett... He's on our small duffel bag in the booth. Not too secure, so thank goodness that he doesn't roll over yet!
Here's Eric posing as a pack mule:
Once we got to Chicago, we had a whole day to rest. And play.
John and Patsy Barhydt (who came all the way to our wedding) came over to meet Mr. Garrett.
Once we got to Peoria, our family and friends there fed us a wonderful meal. It was great to see everyone again so soon, despite the circumstances. I don't have many pictures because my hands were full with Garrett and trying to eat. :) Eric's cousins Kristi and Sara put together a lovely picture board of Grandma Goodenough. The most recent pictures they added were of her and Garrett...the last one taken on Kristi's cell phone.
That was so special.
Apparently, Grandma had been feeling bad on our first trip, but she didn't want to say anything because she didn't want to spoil the fun. That was special, too.
She brought people together...even in her passing.
Uncle Ryan got to meet Garrett for the first time:
Great Uncle Tim got to meet him and sing him to sleep with Spanish songs (just like he does his students, he says!).
Grandpa Stan had some good quality Garrett time during the visitation.
The funeral was well-attended, and I felt like all of the things I suspected about the woman I had the privilege of knowing for short visits were true. I want to be like this woman:
- Grandma was frugal in her daily life so she could support mission and ministry efforts around the world - She gave to about 75 different organizations!
- Grandma made light of difficult times. Even though she worried, she could always laugh at herself or at unfortunate circumstances.
- Grandma passed her faith down through three generations.
Garrett was a champ at the funeral. Plus, his cuddles took people's minds off their sadness.
Meet Kristi. Kristi is Eric's cousin. She became the caretaker for Grandma, who lived in a house right next door to her for the past year or so. Kristi's five kids would visit Grandma daily and bring her such joy. Kristi selflessly cared for Grandma. The next few weeks will be so tough for her and her family. Please pray that her new "normal" is full of joy and that she can look back on this time with Grandma fondly.
I get a little nervous at open-casket funerals ever since my Grandpa Ben passed away when I was a senior in high school. I almost didn't go up to see Grandma during the visitation. Therefore, I know that this picture may be difficult to look at, and I am sorry. But I had to take one last photo of Kristi and Grandma.
Grandma's funeral brought her ENTIRE family together. All of the descendants and their spouses and families were there. Here we all are. Thanks to Uncle Tim for insisting that the beautiful autumn tree be in the background. It's perfect.
Here are all of her great grandchildren. Garrett was #9!
Here are all of her grandchildren (and their spouses):
And here are all of her children with their spouses.
Once we got back to Chicago, we had another full day with Eric's parents.
We smelled the beautiful flowers (and sneezed quite a bit, too!).
We grinned at Grandpa Stan's funny voices and faces.
We smiled and talked to Grandma Lois.
And we played "airplane."
This little ducky learned to fly!
I am so thankful for our time with Eric's family this past month. Garrett really enjoyed all of the special attention. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season, too. It really made me appreciate family and not take any moment for granted.
