My Stone
So last week I took a 5 day vacation from work, since I was kinda burning out. Patrick and had a fantastic time going to Warp Tour and the driving over to the coast for surfing and hiking. But this entry isn't going to be about that because I received some news that overshadows much in my life right now. My Grandma Stone died yesterday.
If you read my profile she's one of the only heroes I have. She was a strong woman who raised not only her own children, but helped them raise theirs as well. One of my very first memories has her in it. Her and my chocolate cat cake with lifesavers on it... that was my second birthday. Also, she dealt with Bi-Polar before it was known. Before people had support for the rough times it caused. Before anyone understood that it wasn't a defect, just a difference. She not only dealt with it, she lived a full and wonderful life, and she was the one who cemented our family together so closely. Her love gave me whatever strength I have. So I'm flying out tonight so as to be at the funeral tomorrow, and I'll stay for a few days to see family and reconnect. It's been 5 years since I've been to Oklahoma and two since I've seen my Mom or sister. Everything seems a bit surreal and fast paced right now, so this post isn't going to be the most reflective or thoughtful.... I think I'm still trying to process. I mean one of the biggest parts of my childhood has now been sent to heaven. My family is dealing really well with it, better than me I suppose. She was 94, so it's not like she was taken before her time or anything.... still that doesn't make it easier when it finally happens. I'm not sure there's any way to fully expect death. Also, most of my family has been there the last few years watching, visiting, and caring for her and Grandpa, so they're a little more ready for it than me. I'm certainly glad that the family's been able to take such good care of them.
Trisha, it was wonderful to talk to you last night; you have no idea how much hearing your voice helped me. I'm glad we got to catch up a bit on the other stuff as well. I can't wait to see you!!!!!!!!
So I'm going to go pack, dry my hair, take another nap (I get into OK City at like 3am and we have to drive about 3 hours south after that... sheesh). I'll post probably when I get back from everything. The world just lost one of the most wonderful women it's ever had, and I'm going to be with my family to celebrate her life.
If you read my profile she's one of the only heroes I have. She was a strong woman who raised not only her own children, but helped them raise theirs as well. One of my very first memories has her in it. Her and my chocolate cat cake with lifesavers on it... that was my second birthday. Also, she dealt with Bi-Polar before it was known. Before people had support for the rough times it caused. Before anyone understood that it wasn't a defect, just a difference. She not only dealt with it, she lived a full and wonderful life, and she was the one who cemented our family together so closely. Her love gave me whatever strength I have. So I'm flying out tonight so as to be at the funeral tomorrow, and I'll stay for a few days to see family and reconnect. It's been 5 years since I've been to Oklahoma and two since I've seen my Mom or sister. Everything seems a bit surreal and fast paced right now, so this post isn't going to be the most reflective or thoughtful.... I think I'm still trying to process. I mean one of the biggest parts of my childhood has now been sent to heaven. My family is dealing really well with it, better than me I suppose. She was 94, so it's not like she was taken before her time or anything.... still that doesn't make it easier when it finally happens. I'm not sure there's any way to fully expect death. Also, most of my family has been there the last few years watching, visiting, and caring for her and Grandpa, so they're a little more ready for it than me. I'm certainly glad that the family's been able to take such good care of them.
Trisha, it was wonderful to talk to you last night; you have no idea how much hearing your voice helped me. I'm glad we got to catch up a bit on the other stuff as well. I can't wait to see you!!!!!!!!
So I'm going to go pack, dry my hair, take another nap (I get into OK City at like 3am and we have to drive about 3 hours south after that... sheesh). I'll post probably when I get back from everything. The world just lost one of the most wonderful women it's ever had, and I'm going to be with my family to celebrate her life.