A tough week

As most of you know, hunting season is in full swing. Last thursday I was just getting back from the morning push through the pines, hunting Elk, when I noticed I had a message on my phone. The message was from my dad telling me that my granny had just passed away down in Arkansas, and that I was to head home. With tears in my eyes I went over to my buddies pickup and told him I would have to head out, and soon after I started home. I had previously planned to ride out with my two cousins while my dad and mom went out with my aunt and uncle. The trip was a long 27 hour drive and even under the circumstances I couldn't help from checking out all the different riding along the way, I even saw a couple of tracks I'd like to ride.

My granny was a heck of a woman, she had ten kids, four of which she raised by her self after my granpa died of a heart attack in 1961. She never remarried but did go on one date after my granpa's death only to complain that this date only wanted to stick his tongue in her mouth so she never went out with him again. :) I never in my 35 years saw my granny upset or mad at anyone, I never heard a swear word out of her mouth. She had countless grandchildren, great grandchildren and even some great great grandchildren, she was 90 when she passed away.

Not long ago I wrote her a letter telling her how much I admired her for her decisions in life and to tell her how much I loved her. I also told her that although I had never met him, I felt I knew my granpa through our shared love of the outdoors. He always wanted to come to Idaho and hunt Elk and I'm sure he has been with me at times while I have tromped up and down these mountains.

Although we physically lost a great matriarch in our family, I am so happy for her, she waited a long time. She has been reunited with my grandpa, and two children, but most importantly God, who is lucky to have her.

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.

We come from a very big family, and one of uncles fears was that they wouldn't all get together again for any one event. I told him that it was up to him being the oldest of granny's siblings to make it happen. The next day at the dinner after the funeral, he said he was starting a celebration for granny's birthday every other year at a different location, seeing as how all the brothers and sisters are spread out. (most of them live here in Idaho now). It was all agreed that that next Sept. we will have a birthday party for her here next year. I hope it all works out.

My granny died of Pancreatic cancer. She had no treatments, would not accept any surgery, and only one week before her death did she start asking for the pain meds. Wow, what a woman. It was an honor for me and my cousins to carry her to her final resting place.

Once again, thank you for your kind thoughts, I think I might print this out and read it at her next birthday party.