This past weekend, we (along with Katie, who did the majority of the planning) hosted two mini-reunions at our houses. On Friday (June 17), we held and Rodney and Penny Southwick reunion. Unfortunately, Brad, Lori, Riley, Julie, and her girls were unable to make it, but Stan's family, our family, and the rest made up for all the noise and chaos! We rented inflatable water slides and a dunk tank, which were pretty much the hits of the weekend! We spent the entire day just hanging out and having fun.
That evening, Katie and I organized a few games that the kids played in teams. (Competition doesn't always bring out the best in the Southwick, but thankfully everyone played nice and enjoyed the games.) We did everything from donuts-on-a-string to tug-of-war. Everyone got to participate in at least one game to represent their team. In the end, we had a Stan Southwick family vs. Jeff Southwick family tug-of-war. Much to my family's dismay, we did not win that one, but it was a good fight.
The next day, we celebrated Gma T's life. On Wednesday, June 8th, we finally moved Gma, Grumpy, and Gma T into the little house. Gma T was excited to have her own room catered to her needs. Thankfully, she got to enjoy it for a few days before she finally passed. We received a text message Monday (June 13th) morning that she had finally returned to her heavenly home. I was in the office when I received the text. Jonas was laying on the loveseat, looking out the window when I told him. He sat there pensive for a moment then said, "Looks like the sky is even sad" as he watched the dark clouds and the light rain falling. Yes, even the sky was sad that day. She lived a long, full, amazing life, but it is always hard to say good-bye. The day that we had planned a Thompson family reunion turned into a celebration of her life. We started the day with a simple, sweet funeral service. There was a family viewing then Tracy (Gma Penny's sister) read a life story before we had a family prayer and close the casket. We then moved to the cemetery where Gma Penny shared some thoughts and memories then the girls and Jacob sang God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again. Another prayer to dedicate the grave was offered and that was it. Jeff conducted the service and was one of the pall bearers.
Once the service was over, everyone moved back down to our houses. We had lunch together then just hung out. The kids still played on the inflatable slides and with the dunk tank, but my favorite part was when we gathered under Katie's deck to share memories of Gma T. What had only been planned until lunch lasted until dinner...so we improvised with a bonfire, hot dogs, and S'mores to end the day. I'm pretty sure Gma T was there with us as we celebrated her life, but her physical absence was tangible. She will be missed. I am so grateful for the knowledge that life exists beyond this one. I know I will be reunited with friends and family on the other side, and I know that Gma T will still be watching over us here. It was a full weekend of family and fun...two of my favorite things.
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