Grandpa

About 5 weeks after Kathy died, Michael called me one evening and told me that he had gotten a call from his brother to say that his Dad had just died. I thought I had heard wrong and said 'What?!?' I think that's how everyone felt. Especially after Kathy had died just the month before we weren't ready to do this all over again. And for Kim, we could have waited another 30-40 years to do it - he was only 50!

Michael was out of town working but packed up his things and headed home that night. We waited one day to get everything on our end together and headed back up to Kitimat. Our good friends Pat and Tara let us borrow their van which was SUCH a blessing. I am definitely pro-van now; a good thing since we're inheriting Kim and Kathy's van! Our little car is great and there's enough room in the trunk to haul a front load washer or dryer home (I know because I did it!) but on a long drive it sure is squishy, especially with Michael's brother along for the ride.

It was kind of strange staying at the house. I kept expecting Kim to come down the stairs or walk around the corner or drive up in the van. His death was so sudden it was difficult for everyone to accept that he was gone.

There was a beautiful service held in his memory at the Legion. It was held at the Legion because the church wouldn't have had enough seating for everyone which tells you a little bit about what a great guy he was.

We stayed up in Kitimat for about 3 weeks. Kim had barely started in on Kathy's estate and now there were two estates to sort through. The weather was sooo warm for the first week and a half - it felt like August! Kitimat usually has a rainy climate so we weren't prepared for such hot wonderful weather. The kids had a great time playing outside, running up and down the many stairs (the house has 2 split levels) and just hanging out. It was a nice break from our regular life and it was great to also see all the family again - just under different circumstances would have been better.

By the time we got home we had about a month before the kids and I were headed out again, this time to Abbotsford to visit my parents. I think by the time we get back we'll be content to just stay home for a bit!