Last week was wonderful. A family thing. A good thing.
Angel Fire, New Mexico, has been close to my heart for years. Along with Karen, the Mystery Guest Blogger and I bought a small two-bedroom condo there back in 1991 – eighteen years ago. Back then, the MGB and I lived in Albuquerque and we spent a lot of time in Angel Fire – winter and summer. Karen brought her kids and grandkids there to ski. Last June, the MGB and I took two of our grandkids there. I blogged about their adventures with horses, pueblos, baseball, and their being “unwired.”
Just before Karen died, she asked my brother to organize another family reunion. She wanted the family to gather in Angel Fire, to laugh together, and maybe drink a few homebrews. She also wanted us to ski down her favorite run and sprinkle her ashes on the snow.
And we did. Karen was called Mom, Sis, mother-in-law, aunt, Grandma, sister-in-law and a bunch of
other affectionate names. On Tuesday, we gathered at the base of the mountain near the main lift to say a few thoughts and prayers. Her two children hugged – and laughed – and were thankful for the gift of having Karen as their mother. One of the Karen’s favorite poems was read – and she had written it on this same blog way back in April 2006, while the MGB and I were still living in Việt Nam.
Did I mention that we partied too? Karen was anything but a stick-in-the-mud. One of her favorite toasts was “This is why we go to those sucky jobs!” There was a lot of laughter – just as she wanted. We enjoyed ourselves.
We also had a chance to celebrate the cycle of life. Yes, Karen left us but we had a new addition to the
family. Having a baby around was a real treat – Paul and Kymberlee shared Evy with all of us. A clearly emotional Grandpa Dick charged all of us with the responsibility of ensuring she be dedicated to God.
The condo is for sale now – another of life’s changes. It has been a wonderful escape place over the years. We drove home, through the snowy valley. As I drove, I thought of having Karen and Evy there to teach me what gifts I have been given.
Thanx, God.
Well done, Bro. Those same thoughts have gone through my mind since we left, and Psalm 90:12 rings through my head: Teach us to number our days, and realize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should. Karen did just that and left her imprint everywhere. Oh yes...she was also a daughter!!
Posted by: martha stanley | February 15, 2009 at 06:24 PM
Amen brother, amen.
Posted by: Russ | February 15, 2009 at 07:37 PM
It was an extra-special week - just as this is an extra-special family. I would like to mention that you were asked to speak at both Evie's dedication and Karen's celebration - both events were enriched by your simple yet meaningful words. Love, Patty - Russ' wife
Posted by: patty young | February 15, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Another of Mom's toasts was, "it just doesn't get any better than this." Well, her celebration couldn't have been any better either. Thanks to all of you for making it so special. Thanks for being with us in spirit, Mom. I miss you.
Terri
Posted by: Terri | February 16, 2009 at 04:38 PM
AMEN!! xoxo - acsp
Posted by: MGB | February 17, 2009 at 07:38 PM