Hello from Texas

Garin and I flew down here Thursday and had a great ride home from the airport with my brother-in-law, Greg. It was so good to catch up with him!

Friday, we went back to Memaw and Papaw's house and spent the afternoon with family before going to the funeral home for the visitation. It was overwhelming to be back in that house again with all the wonderful memories of being there with my grandparents. Isn't it funny how a house that seems so big to you as a child looks so small when you go back? The huge rooms we played in suddenly seemed so crowded with just a few people in them. It felt so good to be there and to look around at all of their humble but well-loved and fondly remembered possessions.

So many people came from all over to the visitation and funeral, and we were able to reacqaint with family we hadn't seen in years. I am so thankful for such faithful family and friends. It means so much. There were flowers and plants everywhere, and so many kind words spoken.

Before the funeral, I spoke to Papaw's only surviving brother of seven, Herbert. They looked like twins, and when Herbert spoke to me, I fell apart. His voice sounds just like Papaw's. I felt so sorry for him. He sobbed through the funeral. It must be difficult to be the only one left.

The funeral was tough but sweet. The flag-draped coffin and the sound of Taps at the graveside were a bit overwhelming for this Air Force wife. Papaw was a bomber pilot in Europe during World War II and was very proud of his service to our country. He would have been as pleased as punch about all the patriotism at his funeral. Even the flowers were red, white and blue.

As we did for Memaw's funeral, Marci, Greg and I had the privilege of singing at the funeral. We did acapella, three-part harmony versions of two old hymns, 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus and How Great Thou Art, which was Papaw's favorite. It sounded pretty good, if I do say so myself. My voice always sounds better with Marci's because our voices complement each other's so nicely. We were made to sing together. But I think the fact that we were really just singing for an audience of two - Papaw and our Heavenly Father (who are together!) - made it sound even better.

Today, we skipped church and slept in. We made pancakes and bacon and had one of those really special, relaxed breakfasts with my parents, my sister's whole family, Doug (my cousin), Garin and me. Susan, my mom-in-law came down to spend the afternoon and have some time with Garin. My grandparents came from next door, too, and we all played a game that lasted for an eternity...one of those that makes you start trying to help the competition just to end the game. But we had a great time joking around and being together.

Karl's really missing us and misses being here with us. I hate that. We miss him too! Hopefully, the time will pass quickly for him.

Tomorrow will mean more time with extended family; then things will settle down for Tuesday. We fly back Wednesday, and while I hate having to say goodbyes, I look forward to getting home to my hubby and Matt's arrival for Thanksgiving next week.