It has been a while since we posted. I thought I would talk a little bit about our trip to Idaho for my Mother's funeral.We got the call from my Sister that hospice said she was in her last 7-10 days. I just decided to leave the next morning. We made arrangements with Mitchell's and Tayler's schools, and started driving. We hit snow just as we entered the Badlands of North Dakota. We had ice and snow from then on. Serena said she wanted me to slow down, but didn't say anything until a few days later. We didn't have a single problem with the van. Not once did I slide or lose control. It was a blessing.
We arrived in Idaho about 1am on Wednesday the 3rd of December. We spent the whole day with my Mother. Each of us got to speak with and tell her everything you would want to say if you knew it may be the last time to speak with her. Then on Thursday morning, my Father called and said I should come immediately. She passed before I got there. As I watched my Dad hold her hand, and caress her forehead, that was the most difficult time of any. He sobbed like only one other time I had heard him sob, when my brother was killed in a car wreck. It did turn out to be the best experience though, to comfort my Father at the loss of his eternal companion. We both felt the spirit confirm that it was just temporary, and that a power greater than all was going to bring us together again.
The next few days brought another experience I never thought I would be a part of, but also turned out to be very rewarding. The first day we arrived, my Dad said that he was making my Mom's coffin. I was shocked at first, but we visited with the family that was helping, and they had done this for two members of their family. They said it was one of the best moments of dealing with the loss of their loved ones. That turned out to be the same for us.
The funeral was the following Monday. On the viewing on Sunday evening, people were in line outside of the funeral stretching around the block. It was a wonderful experience to reunite with so many friends and family that I had not seen for 20 years. My Mother was blessed to have such good people who loved her. I spoke during the funeral. The Chapel, overflow, and gym was full of people. Only one other time had I seen the church that full for a funeral, and that was for Jeff Rhoads, who died of skin cancer at around the age of 30.
The next few weeks we spent with our families. Serena's Mom and Dad bless us so much by allowing us to stay with them. Their home is very comfortable and has plenty of room. We love them for how welcome they make us feel. We got to catch up with our brother's and sister's and their famillies. We went to Christmas parties, went on sleigh rides, and just enjoyed ourselves.
We had alot of snow. It was beautiful.
We went on multiple sleigh rides. My Dad has a very cool horse team, and a sleigh he built himself. This is my nephew, Lucas in the front, Tayler and my nephew Payton, and Mitchell in the back.
This was a perfect day to go on a sleigh ride. (Except the wind was at about -5 degrees)
Who is this good looking dude?
Overall, we had a life changing experience that brought our family closer together. We look forward to someday living in Idaho. We aren't sure when that will be yet. Thank you to all of you who sent cards and money to help with trip expenses. It was an answer to prayer.
