Remembering & Celebrating Life

Last weekend we said goodbye to my favorite grandpa, Ralph Larsen, who died at the grand 'ol age of 91.  Exactly a year ago we were celebrating his 90th bday with the entire family and we all vowed to come back for his 100th - we really did think he would live that long.  :)

As we were preparing for his burial, I was reminded of all our family would face this month.  Celebrations were just around the corner ~ my cousin's marriage to his beautiful fiancee, and 3 fun birthdays for our nieces and nephew.  Life goes on and we celebrate every stage, every season.

The burial was sweet.  Remembering the man my grandpa was was special.  He was the rock of our family - the only man who was constant, who never left, who loved us and supported us no matter what.  The curious minds of little boys made us softly chuckle as the casket was lowered.  And half way down, our son broke the silence by saying, "Grammy's dad's in there (pointing to the casket).  Granddad died.  And he's in heaven with God."

As we all went through the photo memories of our life with grandpa, I came across one of my new favorite pictures.  It was the day my grandpa retired from being a Captain for United Airlines for 36 years.  I was almost 3 yrs. old and I remember that day.  It is a special memory for me.

(Look'n good Mom!)

I thank God these last couple of weeks that Colin and I were able to be with my mom to help her with all the details of ending the chapter of grandpa's life.  Immediate family came to celebrate and it was a nice time of being together and lov'n on each other.

Grandpa, you will be deeply missed.  Thank you for our family you and grandma beautifully created.