Langley

I was lucky enough to attend Plop's funeral in Langley last week. It was joyous to see cousins and aunt's and uncles, and heart-breaking to see my poor grieving little grandmother trying to cope with the end of a 64 yr. long marriage, and the loss of her life partner.

The service was lovely. We attended a family only viewing, followed by a private interment in the Fort Langley Cemetary. My Grandpa was buried underneath a huge oak tree, and although the weather had been untolerably hot and muggy, the heavens chose that moment to open up, and thunder accompanied us as we sang around the graveside. It was a scene from a movie... all of us standing there underneath the tree, in the rain with big black umbrellas. We all had fresh garden roses to place on the casket, and then, for me, the hardest part was over.

After a quick lunch we attended a public service at Plop's church. I was one of four grandchildren that gave a tribute, and I was suprisingly teary. I am never teary, so I think I was quite astonished by how emotional I became... but throw in some pregnancy hormones with a sad day and the result is none other than tears.

The best part about the whole trip was a chance to see all the babies. I finally met Jude and Aja and Eden. Ava was like a whole new person now that she is toddling around, and it was pretty exciting to think that we will be adding to the little group soon! It truly was a reminder of the circle of life... one goes out, and one comes in.