Texts:

From a friend:

I woke up this morning thinking about how nice your Dad’s service was.  You can tell that you thought about every detail… you definitely got a lot of really good traits from your Dad.

From another friend:

I was so glad I got to hear all those interesting stories about your dad last night!  You’re so blessed to have a dad like him!

 

My Reflections:

Extended family is still in town and they gather at our place for lunch.  Soup, salad, breads and desserts have been provided by friends, and other friends have come to help in the kitchen to make things even easier on us.

So nice to be able to enjoy time with family.

 

There’s reason to celebrate too.  It’s my cousin’s birthday and there’s birthday cake and a round of “Happy Birthday, to you,” and of course the usual blowing out of the candles.

 

Last night we celebrated the life well-lived by Papa, and today we celebrate another year of life for my cousin.  An awesome reminder that life is a precious gift and each day, each year, is worth celebrating.  Happy Birthday, cousin!  So glad we can all celebrate it with you today!

 

There’s time for food,

And rest:

 

And reminiscing over old family photos:

 

My favorite moment of the day is after tummies are filled, dishes are done, and so many of us gather around the table sharing stories and laughter.  Moments like these are golden:

 

Before goodbyes, we take some group shots for posterity (because gathering this all-over-the-U.S. family doesn’t happen very often).

 

 

 

So blessed to call all these awesome individuals family.  So grateful for their support and love; and for the way Papa has impacted us all.