Remembering

Today we were watching some old family videos. In the mix were several Christmases at Mike's parents' house from a decade and more ago, and other family gatherings. It was strange to watch ourselves so much younger, to remember what was going on at the time: becoming first time parents, beginning life. But the thing that pulled me in most was seeing Mike's grandparents - there in the moment with us on the TV screen. Both sets. It was astonishing somehow to watch them moving around, laughing, talking, snuggling the babies. Remembering how it used to be.

Time passes. The cycle goes on. Now we've said goodbye to all but one grandparent.

Watching those family videos reminded me that though we feel that we are standing on solid ground, it moves and shifts. We don't step in the same river twice.

Thursday we had grandma Helen's funeral. Then drove to Holden to the cemetery. 

How is it that funerals are such amazing family reunions? We saw all of Mike's brothers, cousins, their children, grandma's nieces and nephews, Alma's (her second husband) family...friends. Love. 

It's been a tender week.

(The only photos from the day are from my iPad. Sorry. I forgot my camera.)

 The brothers Melton. I love these boys.

 The Melton cousins (except for one who couldn't make it to the cemetery).
I love this picture for two reasons: 1.) How often (if ever) are they all together in one place?  2.) The setting. The cemetery at Holden where their grandparents (Helen and Tillman) are resting near by. But also where two other cousins, who passed away at birth, are buried. In fact, this photo is taken right next to those two little cousins' graves. It makes me tear up.

Mike's cousin, Bryant, had copies of this picture for all of us. Tillman and Helen.