Bittersweet

Our Christmas travels didn't go exactly as planned, but we did have safe travels and enjoyable times with family. We left earlier than we had planned on the day of our departure so that we would be across the state of Iowa before a major ice storm came through. We made it to Omaha in plenty of time, but our flight didn't leave early enough and was cancelled because of the weather. Getting a flight out was going to take a few days so we decided to visit Brian's family before, instead of after, visiting my family. Luckily, everyone was able to change their plans to accommodate ours and we had an early Christmas on the farm. We were also able to visit with Brian's grandparents. Our rescheduled flight worked out fine and we made it to Boise to visit with my family. We even managed to squeeze in visits with a few old friends. We also spent time touring Boise one day with my parents and then a couple of days on our own. It still ranks high on the list of possible places to live.

 Clara enjoyed watching penguins at the zoo in Omaha.

Great Grandpa Wehling, Clara, and Brian

It turned out that our plans being changed for visiting Brian's family worked out for the best as it allowed us to visit with Brian's grandpa before he passed away on Christmas Day. When we were there he was still at home and Brian's grandma was caring for him with some help from Brian's dad and mom and limited hospice care. His mind was still clear but his body was giving out. Brian had sent his grandpa a picture a couple of years ago of his grandpa outside standing next to the tractor with the words "Old Farmers Never Die, They Just Go To Seed" and Alfred pointed that out to us indicating that he knew his death was approaching. He was happy to see Clara and even asked a few questions about how things were going for us. Since he could no longer move himself, the lifting was getting to be a struggle for Brian's grandma and the family discussed moving him to the nursing home. Sunday night Brian's mom fed him a good supper, but by Monday afternoon he was declining and was moved to the nursing home. Brian's grandma was able to stay with him in his room. On Christmas Brian's grandma and uncle went to visit and by then it was getting harder for him to breathe. Just before he took his last breath he pulled his wife close for a kiss. I don't think there could be a sweeter ending to 67 years of marriage and 96 years of life.

Needless to say, we returned to the farm when we flew back into Omaha and got to spend a couple of days experiencing all of the planning that goes into a funeral. Brian's grandma is a strong woman, but the little things like finding the last tablespoon of sauerkraut saved to feed Alfred or him not being right behind her when she was finding her seat at church upset her. Most all of the family was able to make it for the funeral this past Tuesday. Brian's sister Michelle had travelled to Kenya for a mission trip over Christmas and she flew into LAX the afternoon before the funeral and was able to quickly catch a flight to Omaha. The day of the funeral was a long day and we thought somehow we would drive home to Iowa after the services. We made it down the road awhile, but then decided to go back to the farm and wait until the next morning. That made our trip home more pleasant and we got to hear more of Michelle's adventures. 

Clara is now going through grandparent withdrawal. Anytime we make a phone call or go somewhere in the car she says "grandma, grandpa." She has also been saying her cousin Colton's name quite a bit. They brushed their teeth together and played the piano together. Most of the time they played well together. Colton did get a little rough for Clara's taste, but Clara still wants to be friends.