Cousin Kay and I had been planning to take her niece, Rissa, to Sheridan, Wyoming to participate in the Snicker's Cup Soccer Tournament this weekend. We were also going to take Rissa's siblings, Eric and Sadie Rose, along with us. Although Kay goes to most of Rissa's home games, I hadn't been able to attend one yet. This was our chance to hang out together, spoil the kids rotten and spend some quality cousin time together. Kay said the kids were more excited about the trip than Christmas, and I have to say I was pretty jazzed myself.
Cousin Kay's brother Gary had been in the hospital for about a week suffering from a blood clot in his lung. He had been feeling much better and spoke of going home soon. Late Thursday night a blood vessel in his brain ruptured and he was put on a ventilator. He died around 10 am Friday morning.
As always, Kay was the rock of the family. She spent all day making funeral arrangements and comforting her brother's adult children. She and I kept in touch, trying to decide whether or not we should attend the tournament. In the end, after much soul searching and discussion, we decided to go because it meant so much to the children.
Rissa's team did really well and Rissa, Sadie and Eric had a good time. Kay and I talked for hours and doted on the kids. Even though the decision to go was a tough one, we were really glad we went. 
As our mom's used to say, bury the dead and tend to the living.
23 comments:
Absolutely, you made the right decision. Not that you needed my say-so, but just for support!
Love the action shots of soccer.
Laurie,
What a beautiful picture of the beautiful redhead! My mother had red hair and freckles just like that when she was a little girl. She also was a beautiful redhead.
Cindy
I think you made the right decision, also. Our children need us to be there, no matter what. Kay is a rock. The death of her brother must have been a shock, so sad.
Lovedd the game, go Rissa!
I agree, you did the right thing - for the children. There's a lot of wisdom in your Mom's quote.
I'm sorry for Kay and her brother. What a shock.
I wonder how Dale is doing.
" . . .Tend to the living."
Oh, Laurie - bless you - bless Kay - bless Gary and Dale and all who struggle and stand again to face the day - to face life and share those timeless beautiful moments of watching the young do what they do - Live.
KG, I'm so glad you liked the pictures. I'm happy we went as well.
Cindy, Sadie Rose is a cutie, no doubt. I am going to have the photo framed for Cousin Kay and Sadie's gramma.
Pam, thanks. We agree, it was the right choice to make.
Mary, my mom used to say that a lot, she even said it on her deathbed.
Dale is doing better, though it is still a long road. He's a fighter and that has served him well. I'll blog about him soon, after things settle down a bit.
Cathy, well said, thank you. Spending time with those beautiful children all weekend gave us both strength. I feel blessed.
Your mom is a wise woman. I agree with the others, that you made the right decision when you followed her advice. A tough one, but a right one.
My heart goes out to Kay and the rest of the family.
I too have been wondering how Dale is doing. Good to hear that he is a bit better. Keep us posted.
Wondered where you'd gone. :) It does sound like the right decision. There is something in the stability of daily life that makes loss more bearable.
How's Dale doing?
Peace,
~Ch
I'm so sorry to hear that.
But, as everyone has stated, you made the right choice. Great pictures!
That's sad. Must have been an awful shock for everyone. I'm sorry.
Beautiful family. That helps, huh?
Best thoughts with you guys, and with Dale.
Yes, you did the right thing, Laurie. But bless all those who suffer loss, and know that in their struggles they are not alone. I hope you have a chance to visit Kay as you were able to visit Dale. What a dear family you have.
So sorry about that Laurie. My, you've been through a lot lately!
What a beautiful daughter. Your mom was right, it's hard to adhere to that I'm sure especially in a time like that. But it's true.
Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss. You have had more than your share. I have been trying to comment earlier, but blogger wasn't in the mood.
Cuppa, I'll pass along your condolences to Kay and the family. Thank you.
Chani, it's been a wild couple of weeks. Conservation Days took up all of my time for a week and then we went to the soccer tournament. Dale is doing somewhat better, thanks for asking!
Gina, thank you so much.
Helen, it was a surprise. When I saw him a couple of weeks ago at my uncle's funeral, he really looked good. It's amazing how fast things can change.
Bonita, thank you. Our family is pretty close and all that has happened lately has brought us even closer. We are blessed.
Littlepea, we've had a rather emotional time of it lately. If it weren't for family and friends, we'd probably all go crazy. ;-)
Threecollie, thank you so much.
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
oh, friend. your spirit remains so graceful in the midst of a few very difficult things in your life.
i am so sorry for your loss.
Ur-spo, thank you.
Jen, there have, no doubt, been some trying times recently, but our family is strong and we will get through it together. Thank you.
I am sorry to hear about Kay's brother but I also think you did the right thing.
Belated Happy Mother's day Laurie. :D
What fantastic pictures...and what a fantastic decision you made to go after all.
You were there for Kay, too. And for those kids. You are positivity personified, the antithesis of the me, me, me crowd.
And doooooooon't you fergit it!
So first you were a rabbit's butt in the grass, now you're a soccer ball in the grass.
What's next? Aside from a kick in the (gr)ass? ;-)
How strong you two must be to keep moving like you do. I know I would have fallen apart.I'm such a wuss when loss of life is involved. I hope you are as well as you seem to be, I keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Menchie, I am certain that we did the right thing. It was good for them not to dwell on it. Thank you.
WW, I'm glad you liked the photos, I thought you might. ;-)
As for my next avatar, I'm not sure what I'll use. Any suggestions?
Butterfly, thank you, dear girl. We appreciate it so much.
So sad, but it's true, you need to tend to the living.
Laurie,
Tears and a tender hug for you all. Sweet Dale. You, Wolf and Kay walked with him as long as you could. Now you will hold his hand as he completes his journey home. Love - love will carry him across. Wishing you all comfort and sending my love.
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