Kathy and I went to the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Bentley, KS this morning to be with the family of our Aunt Jeanie as they said their final goodbyes to her. It was a picture perfect spring day to spend outside.
Two of our other cousins that we hadn’t seen for years joined us. One came from Salina and one came from Belton, MO. The two sons of our aunt were there too so six of the Krause cousins spent part of the day together.
The graveside service was beautiful. Everyone was given a chance to share memories of our aunt. Particularly touching were the remarks from her grandson who spent the most time with her in her final years in Newton. It was a lovely way to honor Aunt Jeanie. She was well loved and gave much love in return.
Afterwards many of us went to a local restaurant and had lunch together. More childhood memories were shared and tales were told. All in all a beautiful day full of love, memories and extended family.
I came home and took a nap. I don’t think I got more than two hours of sleep at best last night. Not sure I slept very much for my nap but it took the rough edge off of me. Kathy worked out in the yard while I slept. I so appreciate her work getting the flower beds and yard in better shape.
I feel myself slowing coming back home to myself. I’m still not aligned with body, mind and spirit but it feels like I might be getting close to being in the same time zone at least. It is going to take time and grace for all of me to align again.
Tomorrow I am meeting Tagen at 11:00 so we can take care of getting his summer school fees paid. I have exercise at noon. I will come home after that and then go back to Emporia with Roxy for her 4:30 appointment. Making two trips to Emporia in one day is not my favorite type of day but sometimes I have to put on my big girl panties and do what I need to do.
Thursday I go back to Emporia for a 10:00 meeting with my accountant and then I will return one more time this week on Friday for exercise. I think I get to stay home this weekend but we shall see if that can happen.
Today is a perfect spring day outside. Very little wind, temperatures in the high 70’s and bright blue skies. Just doesn’t get much better outside than today. Sure could take days like this year round.
I have a long list of little things on my to-do list if the urge hits to get something done. Unfortunately since most of them are not urgent I am not sure I will get many of them done this week. They haven’t quite hit the annoying factor yet although getting the rest of the pictures hung is getting close. I’m tired of seeing my tool box on the dining room table and need to get them up so I can put away my tools. We shall see what I can do.
Kathy and I have been in this house for two weeks now. In some ways it feels like two days and other ways two months or more. We both feel pretty settled and comfortable here. I can find most things I need without too much searching. Getting the shed straightened out and better organized is one of the things on my to-do list. Getting it painted is another.
Funerals and death have a way of reminding one of what is most important in life. Being fully present with family and close friends is one of those things that has moved up in priority in my life with these two recent deaths. Everything else just doesn’t feel too important right now.
Grateful for the life and love of my dear Aunt Jeanie, grateful for the gathering of my cousins today and the time to reconnect to them, and grateful for the ritual of saying goodbye to our loved ones.