California Part 1

We got home late last night. It was poring rain most of the drive home. I was thankful to be in our warm car. When we stopped at a gas station a woman asked me for money because she ran out of gas as was hungry. At least that's what she said. I didn't have any money. Dwight searched through our van for change. We didn't have any cash. He gave her every last quarter, nickel, and dime he could find. Maybe a couple of dollars. Rainy days seem to make me more grateful for warmth and the comforts we enjoy. When we got home I was so happy to sit on our couch and relax. Poor Savannah woke up in the middle of the night with a tummy bug. So, she is home with me today. We are going to do laundry and try to catch up. I'm always happy to come home.

I don't know where to start with our 5 days in Cali. So, I'll start at the beginning I guess. The viewing for Dwight's sister Deanna (pronounced Deena) was Friday night. We were there for almost three hours. The kids were amazing. We stood near the back of the big room. Dwight and I didn't really want the kids to approach the casket. We hugged her girls and Dwight's mom and visited with his family. We all went to Red Robin after. Saturday was the funeral. It was a beautiful service. Deanna's four girls sang. I think it was "Where can I turn for Peace?"  I bawled through it.  They were amazing and sang it beautifully and what a perfect song for them during this time of their lives. Deanna's best friend Carol gave the eulogy. She did a beautiful job also. Dwight sang "Come thou Fount of Every Blessing". He was amazing. Words cannot describe how beautiful his song was and how strong the spirit was. Everyone cried. I was so proud. Most amazingly, my four beautiful children sat in that church pew in the chapel without one little peep. They folded their arms, they listened, Gunnar was so still he fell asleep :). I was such a happy mommy. They amaze me sometimes. The graveside was wonderful too. Deanna's husband Chris talked a little bit. He was funny, because he is, and told funny stories about his sweet wife. We laughed and cried. The two older girls talked too. They are so strong. Then Dwight played "God be with you till we Meet Again" on his trumpet. He played every note perfect. He is so talented.

Then there was a mishap. A misunderstanding maybe. A few inappropriate actions to ruin what was a wonderful day. Someone said something maybe they shouldn't have. Then threats were made. My husband had to ask the man to leave. It turned into a huge mess. The mad wouldn't leave so my hubby oh so gently but firmly helped him leave. My sweet nieces were distraught. What a sad sad thing to ruin what had been such a perfect memorial. But, things like that make a family stronger. The Jordan family banded together. We went back to the church for the luncheon and then over to Peterson the family home. We spent hours laughing and just being together. I'm thankful to be a part of the Jordan family. I'm thankful for their goodness. What a big happy family. I will continue to pray for my brother in law and my beautiful nieces. What a hard and tragic event in their young lives.