March-April 2025 – Saying Goodbye…!

Another thing that happened in March is that my grandmother passed away. With everything that was going on, I did not have time to process it until later. I was very thankful that my Aunt gave me a heads up that she was not doing well, and I was able to go and visit her recently. My last visit with my Grandma was a good one… she actually talked to me and was in a pleasant mood. 

It is crazy to think that my last Grandparent has passed away. God blessed me with a close family. I remember getting together with all my relatives growing up. Holidays spent together… family reunions… my Grandma coming over every winter because she hated driving in the snow so my Dad would drive her to work.  Time passes us by so quickly and before we know it the generations before have left us and we become the “older” generation. 

Last "Selfie" with  my Grandma... 

Who I was named after..!

We had the memorial for my Grandma in April. Thankfully, my parents were able to fly back for it. With my Dad’s surgery we did not know if they would make it back. They flew in the night before… and thankfully Jeremy stopped by our house that night to visit and was willing to go pick them up since Matthew and I were both exhausted.

The memorial was the first time my mom’s side of the family has gotten together in forever. It was great to see all my cousins… I just wish it was for a different reason. My Uncle did the graveyard ceremony which was very nice. Afterwards we had lunch and shared stories about my grandma… from her raising her kids to us grandkids.

One of my favorite memories from the memorial is when we were talking about the nicknames that Grandma had for everyone. Of course, I don’t always have the greatest memory, so I didn’t know what my nickname was… I was like, all I remember her calling me was “Little Sh*t”… low and behold… I found out that WAS my nickname… and all this time I thought she called everyone that. I guess I was just the special one… after all it was her favorite word… 

Uncle Steve leading the ceremony...

Mom leading the roses on the grave... 

Aunt Sharon placing her rose on the grave... 

Aunt Sandi placing her rose... 

Uncle Steve placing his rose... 

The Son-in-Laws... 

Siblings hugging... 

Family Gathering after the ceremony... 

Grandpa Alberts Grave... 

Goodbye Grandma... I love you!

Two days after the memorial for my Grandma… we had the memorial for Jim (Mariah’s Dad). Two memorials in one week is not easy. It makes for a very emotional week. We started out just going to their house every 4^th of July but then Matthew got very close to Jim and would often go to his house to play cribbage with him during the week. It was an honor for him that he was asked to lead the opening prayer for the reception after the military honors service. 

Military Ceremonies are extra special... 

What an honor it was to be invited to Jim's memorial. 

The day after Jim’s memorial… I found out that Timothy James Meaney had passed away. He was a local musician from my youth… that came to all of our winter retreats. We loved having him spend the weekend with us… leading us in worship… and living life with us.  Three deaths so close reminded me how fragile life is… we never know when our last breath will be. I am thankful that I know where I am going when it all ends… and pray that my friends and family have the same assurance that I do. I don’t know how people do it without the hope in Jesus that I have. My faith is what has gotten me through all the trials I have endured in life… He is life, He is my Joy, my Hope, my Reason for living. 

Life is fragile... but God is Good...