At this point in the year, I’m pretty well over losing people. July and August definitely hit hard, with five losses. First, my home-state neighbor, and his fiancé, who passed a day after my grandmother, my grandmother’s husband of the past decade -on the morning of grandma’s funeral, then my across-the-road neighbor’s daughter, who we were on friendly terms with.
Each loss hits a little harder. Every loss reminds me of losing the two most important people in my life – my cousin Ashley and my Dad. We lost Ashley twenty years ago in September this year and it breaks my heart every year. She was one of my best friends in the entire world, and I didn’t tell her nearly enough. We lost my dad eight years ago in September. So now, July, August, and September might as well be lost to grief. I strive to be everything I loved most about the people I have lost in life. I fail a lot.
My grandma’s funeral was touching and to-the-point. Two of her brothers, one of whom will be celebrating his 99th birthday this year, were in attendance, as well as all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was fondly remembered for her big heart, cooking, and her love of music, and love of cards. She was always willing to help others and a gracious host. One of my mom’s cousins played grandma’s accordion at the service and that was so wonderful to hear.
There was plenty of happiness while home, though, too. I got to see cousins, aunts, and uncles that I haven’t seen in several years. It was decided by me and my cousin Dustin’s wife that we will have to have a family reunion, instead of getting together for weddings and funerals.
I also spent quality time with my siblings and mom. We celebrated my brother’s birthday. My husband and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Our nine-year-old son got to spend much needed time with his cousins, and they fell in with each other, thick as thieves. I had the privilege of taking family photos for my sister.
In honor of my dad, my sister, mom, sister-in-law, and I got matching tattoos. For my mom and sister, it was their first tattoo. Our family ranch brand. The Circle S Ranch was established in 1907 by my grandfather and his brother in rural North Dakota. Dad hated the cows. The farm hasn’t had cows in almost two decades. For whatever reason, Dad kept the brand registered. When he passed away, my mom and brother made sure the brand was registered. So, we all got the Circle S brand.
The whole point of this post? Don’t wait for weddings and funerals to spend time with family. Cherish the ones who are still here and honor the ones who are gone. And for crying out loud, try to make it to the family reunions.
Photos by Alissa Weece
