Soothing

The memorial service for my dad on Saturday morning was good.  I had been dreading it but it was good to remember and see people that loved him (and love us).  There was a time for sharing memories and stories about dad and that was very touching.  By the time we finally left after the meal, I was more than ready to leave.  I was so exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally.

My cousin, who I am very close to and is more like a sister, brought her oldest three kids.  They loved their Uncle.  J was having a hard time with daddy's death and when I walked in and went over to here, so came right to me.  I wasn't expecting this as she is 5 and I've seen here once in two years.  She just cuddled into me and let me hold her.  She even warmed up to The Man though she was very shy at first.

Several family members came back to mom's house after.  I escaped the people by going outside with the kids and climbing the great tree out front.  My parents had the tree planted when I was a kid so I never got to climb it but it's been great for these kids.  We have pictures of the oldest in the tree when he was 2...and of him out there ever since.  At 11 he has no fear while climbing and his 8 year old sister followed right behind him.  The Man and I even got up in the tree.  I didn't go up very far but stayed low with the little one.  The Man went up and enjoyed some time with the older kids.  After tree climbing the two girls and I went for a walk around the block.  I really enjoyed this time as I was able to connect with them.  I miss these kids so much.  It did my heart good that they didn't forget me and wanted to spend time with me.

The Man and the boy in the tree

A little girl in the tree

Look at me!

After the walk I snuggled up to The Man on the sofa.  Football was on, the kids were on their DS Lights and Leapster chatting away to us and people were in and out of the room.  The Man and I managed to snooze for about an hour.  It was the most refreshing sleep I've gotten in a long time.  I'm still waking up tired and that nap just felt so good.

Later that night The Man and I went out for a date night.  It felt nice to do something normal.  We went to the Wrentham outlets and walked around.  We talked and talked.  We had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's.  We love their salad bar and wish there was on in the PNW.  We talked some more and made some decisions.  We're excited about what we decided and while I'm not going to tell you at the moment, I'll share soon.