Funerals and Losing Sleep

…that about sums up my past week. My mom called me at work to tell me the bad news. Then I called my wife who had just spoken to her mom and found out more bad news. All this bad news meant a trip to Oklahoma.

I found out last Monday that my “grandmother” passed away (she was like a grandmother to me). My mom and her daughters grew up together and I called her Grandma Shoemaker for as long as I can remember. I remember most swimming at her house with my quasi-cousins (all extended family) and cleaning the pool at the beginning of summer. Grandma also came to every important event in my life that was feasible for her to attend. And when she wasn’t able, I knew she had wanted to and often sent her love. I was glad I was able to attend her funeral. I find myself regretting not spending more time with this wonderful woman. Rest in Peace Grandma.

My second phone call revealed that my wife’s grandmother, who was 91, was not doing well and would likely pass away within a few days. Vanessa is very close to her family and we thought it important for her to spend time with them during this dark hour. After our initial stop in Oklahoma, we made the trip further north to Kansas so Vanessa and her mother could say good-bye. Vanessa and I returned to OK for a couple of days until her grandmother passed yesterday then she and her dad rejoined her mother for the memorial service this evening. I wish them all safe travels through the increasingly inclement weather. Farewell MaryEllen and thank you for the Chicken Dance at Heather and John’s wedding.

Now it’s off to another night tending to Ethan’s late night feedings alone and losing more sleep. I will try to update with some Aiden and Ethan pictures when we return home Thursday evening.

Sleep tight,

Marty