We're home (and aside from being crazy-tired...we're good).
I don't really feel all that able to write about the last few days.
But I did want to share this photo that I took of Annie out in my Grandfather's yard the day he passed away (we got there Thursday morning and he passed away early the next day).
I'm giving some thought to packing up my whole family and moving to Texas (because Texans may just be the most wonderful people in the whole-wide world).
And ya'll (said in my best, twangy, Texan accent) are pretty wonderful too (thanks so much for sending your thoughts our way the last few days).
I've been worried about you girlie, and you're all in our prayers.
Posted by: deAnne | April 03, 2007 at 08:47 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your Grandpa's passing. Your family is in my prayers - so, so glad you were able to go there with Annie to say goodbye. :(
Posted by: jen | April 03, 2007 at 08:49 AM
I've been waiting for your return. Glad your Grandpa waited for you and Annie! Love the picture of her!
Posted by: Addie | April 03, 2007 at 09:17 AM
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. I'm so glad that you and Annie got to see him!
And as a true Texan I say - come on down! We'd love to have y'all! Just remember the lovely temperatures you experienced in March are fabulous, but 100+ degree summers...well, not so fabuloso! But I'll take those over long freezing winters any day!
*HUGS*
Posted by: Karen | April 03, 2007 at 09:25 AM
Karen, I'm normally just a lurker on your blog...
but I wanted to say how sad I am for your loss.
I am glad, though, that you and Annie were able to say goodbye to your grandpa, that he waited for you.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: sarah | April 03, 2007 at 09:25 AM
So sorry about your Grandpa. I know how sad you must be. There is a wonderful book out there by Leo Buscaglia call The Fall of Freddie the Leaf. I was given it by a friend when my father passed away while I was pregnant with my now 19 year old son. It is a story of life and is wonderful for the entire family at a time like this, including children. Thinking of you and your family Karen.
Posted by: Tawni | April 03, 2007 at 09:28 AM
So sorry for your loss Karen. How good that you made it there on Thursday and that you and Annie were able to say goodbye.
Posted by: Jenna | April 03, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Deepest sympathies to you and your family. Glad you were able to be there. I also wanted to mention that is a gorgeous photo of Annie.
Take care.
Posted by: malinda | April 03, 2007 at 09:57 AM
So sorry for your loss. When my dad died this last November he was able to hold on until all four of us kids were able to be there to say goodbye and let him know we would take care of our mom. I am so glad you were able to be there to say goodbye before your grandfather passed away.
Posted by: Denise | April 03, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Hello, I've never posted on your blog before but do check in all the time. I'm so very happy that you got to say goodbye to your grandfather. I'm also from TEXAS and now live in Ct. They all make fun of my YA'LL! I miss the wild flowers and blue bonnets like crazy. Beautiful picture of Annie. I'm lucky to say I will be seeing you soon when you make your way to Ct. this month. I'm so excited I can't wait!! My prayers are with you and your family~ Sara Rolfe
Posted by: Sara | April 03, 2007 at 10:19 AM
so glad you had the opportunity to say goodbye --- LOVE that pic of Annie... and you would totally fit in with the good-natured friendly texans -- take care, girlfriend.
Posted by: Angi B | April 03, 2007 at 10:27 AM
What an absolutely beautiful picture! So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by: Amy R | April 03, 2007 at 10:43 AM
i'm so happy that he waited for you! so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: aja | April 03, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Welcome home. What a priceless photo! Peace be with you during this difficult goodbye.
DK
Posted by: Deirdre | April 03, 2007 at 11:33 AM
so so sad. But on the other hand Annie shows us how beautiful and easy life can be. You're in my thoughts.
Posted by: nadine | April 03, 2007 at 11:34 AM
I am glad that you made it to him, and that you are home safely. Home is good.
JoAnn
Posted by: JoAnn | April 03, 2007 at 11:53 AM
still prayin' for you girlie....saying goodbye is the hardest thing ever....love ya...t
Posted by: Tanya Webster | April 03, 2007 at 12:14 PM
I have been thinking of you and your family a lot in the last days. My deepest sympathies, and may you find some rest and quiet time.
Posted by: Barbara | April 03, 2007 at 12:20 PM
I am very sorry for your loss, your story just breaks my heart. On a happier note the picture of Annie is amazing!!
Posted by: jenifer Cowles | April 03, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Sorry to hear of your loss Karen.
My thoughts and prayers are with and your family.
What a blessing that your dear Grandfather was able to hold on for you and to 'meet' Annie.
What a beautiful photo!
My deepest sympathies,
Hugs,
Laura xx
Posted by: Laura | April 03, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Us Texans would welcome your cute family. Wishing you warm thoughts and memories of your grandfather.
Posted by: Meredith S. | April 03, 2007 at 12:35 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. It must have meant the world to him to meet Annie before he passed.
I hope your next few days will be healing.
Posted by: kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | April 03, 2007 at 12:44 PM
From a lurker....
my deepest condolences and sympathies. I am grateful that you and your grandfather were able to get so close recently, and that he and Annie were able to meet.
A former Wisconsinite, now a 10 year Texan....Kris
Posted by: Kris with a K | April 03, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Glad you are home, I feel a bit of relief knowing you are all safe :) Also glad you made it there and your grandfather got to meet Annie, even if it was not what you wanted, ya gotta know somewhere he connected with the love.
And oh no you don't want to move MISSY, that is said in my best 'I am older than you are voice' cause I would miss seeing you like CRAZY!!
Hugs and prayers - Brooke
Posted by: Brooke | April 03, 2007 at 01:17 PM
I asked my grandfather to meet yours on the other side and help him along & give him company. He's in good hands.
Miss you & CI tremendously. Lori G.
Posted by: Lori G | April 03, 2007 at 01:36 PM
I asked my grandfather to meet yours on the other side and help him along & give him company. He's in good hands.
Miss you & CI tremendously. Lori G.
Posted by: Lori G | April 03, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Deepest sympathies for you and your family Karen at this very difficult time. It was so thoughtful of you to take Annie to meet her great-grandfather before leaving this world. What a special gift for your grandfather too. Will keep you in prayers..........Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | April 03, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Karen- I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandpa. You and your family are in my thoughts. Take care,
Amy Kennedy
Posted by: Amy Taylor | April 03, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Just wanted to offer prayers for you and your family.
That is a gorgeous picture by the way.
Posted by: Terri | April 03, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Us Texans would be lucky to have you, Karen! Blessings to your family during this time!
Posted by: april | April 03, 2007 at 02:44 PM
so sorry for your loss, but so glad you got to say goodbye
Annie is precious!
We Texans would LOVE to have y'all--anytime! Seriously, we do take being the "friendly state" to heart! :)
God Bless You and your family.
Posted by: Leigh Ann Brown | April 03, 2007 at 02:50 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing but I'm glad that you and Annie were there with him during his final hours. I hope that you and your family are doing well during this difficult time. I'm from TX as well - San Antonio - and I think you're right about the great people of TX. Take care of yourself and thank you for sharing your life with us.
Posted by: Marica Goldschmidt | April 03, 2007 at 02:59 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. I am so glad you and Annie got there in time to say goodbye. Take care of yourself. (Fabulous picture)
Posted by: susan | April 03, 2007 at 03:09 PM
So sorry on the passing of your Grandfather, but I'm so glad you got to say good bye in person. (((HUGS)))
Love the photo of Miss Annie too :)
Posted by: jenn | April 03, 2007 at 03:11 PM
What a wonderful picture of your baby girl! Continued prayers for your healing heart.
Posted by: Anna-Marie Still | April 03, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Absolutely gorgeous photo!
Sorry for your loss. There just isn't anything wonderful to say when a grandparent passes.
I felt like a bit of my childhood went with them.
But the memories- they are all good!
Sam
Posted by: sam | April 03, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Annie's picture is beautiful! So glad you got to see your grandfather and that you were there. Know that you have lots of friends even though you don't actually know them in person. We are thinking of you and your family. You mentioned that you were considering moving to Texas. If this is really an option for you guys...GO FOR IT! I would do just about anything to get back. We lived there for almost 4 years and hated to leave. Still miss it. You are so right about everyone being so nice. Texas is a whole other world in the best possible ways!
Posted by: Jennifer Robinson | April 03, 2007 at 05:25 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Karen. I was praying for you all and I will continue to. That photograph of Annie is just so beautiful and peaceful. Love it so much. :)
Posted by: kristina | April 03, 2007 at 05:33 PM
Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is. I lost my Mother two years ago and my Father last fall. Sometimes there are just no good words at all. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Kay Ward | April 03, 2007 at 05:47 PM
What a blessing you and your grandfather were to each other. I know you are hurting but he is not, remember that. You have so much to be thankful for, concentrate on rest and things will look brighter soon. Your grandfather received so much love from you and vice versa. I'm so happy you had such a wonderful relationship with him. You and your entire family are in my prayers. It was his time, he is no longer in pain or suffering. Hugs to you Karen.
Posted by: Joyce | April 03, 2007 at 05:52 PM
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss. Be kind to yourself. Remember he is in your heart and your memories. Everyone who knows you or knows you virtually is sending you loving and healing vibes.
Posted by: Susi | April 03, 2007 at 06:24 PM
Just wanted to pass along my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your family has been in my thoughts all weekend.
Very truly, Beth W
Posted by: Beth Wollweber | April 03, 2007 at 06:25 PM
(((HUGS))) and prayers to you.
Posted by: Cheryl | April 03, 2007 at 07:11 PM
Karen, I've been thinking about you the past few days. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved grandfather. Losing a grandparent has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with in my life so far. (((big hugs))) to you!
p.s. Please move to TX -- you could teach at my awesome LSS! :)
Posted by: Cathy | April 03, 2007 at 07:17 PM
So sorry about your grandfather, Karen. I am thankful you got there before, though. That photo of Annie is absolutely precious...what a sweet memory that you took that in his yard. Can't wait ot see that layout. Take a little time for yourself...take a bubble bath, read a book, drink a favorite beverage, light a candle...I'll be praying for you....blessings!
Posted by: tammygraves | April 03, 2007 at 08:05 PM
*HUGS* I lost my grandfather a couple of years ago, and I managed to see him one last time before he passed away. I needed that closure. I'm so glad he hung on for you and Annie.
Posted by: Rachel | April 03, 2007 at 08:41 PM
Sending hugs and prayers to you all during this sad time. What a gorgeous photo of Annie in a special place!
Posted by: Crystal | April 03, 2007 at 09:29 PM
So sorry to hear about your grandpa. I am glad you were able to be there! That is a beautiful picture of Annie!
Posted by: Erica | April 03, 2007 at 10:12 PM
So sorry to hear about your grandpa. I am glad you were able to be there! That is a beautiful picture of Annie!
Posted by: Erica | April 03, 2007 at 10:12 PM
I'm sorry about your grandpa. I'm glad you were able to be there with him and see him before he passed away. It's good to have you back. Love the picture of Annie.
Posted by: Ashley Schultz | April 03, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Hope you are doing well. I am glad for you that you could be with your grandfather. Take some time to absorb all that has transpired the past few days. Welcome back. Be well
carolynn
Posted by: Carolynn Blair | April 04, 2007 at 02:35 AM
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandfather, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself.
much love,
Posted by: marah johnson | April 04, 2007 at 06:24 AM
Hey Karen. That is the sweetest picture I have ever seen. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. We are praying for you. Lova ya--
Posted by: Kelly Coriell | April 04, 2007 at 07:50 AM
that is a gorgeous photo of annie!
and now you always have that part of your grandfather with you.
so glad you went there and were able to see him.
sorry though that he is gone,but he will always live on in your heart.
tell us more about texas!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | April 04, 2007 at 07:51 AM
No words are needed. I am happy to hear you made it there and back safely and that you had an opportunity to say goodbye. Wishing you peace...
Posted by: Kathleen Loughran | April 04, 2007 at 08:27 AM
karen--i took your photography Q&A class at Oasis a couple of weeks ago and I was so sad to check your blog and read of your loss. It has really been a whirlwind of a month for you!
Please take some time to s-t-o-p and rest. Grief is exhausting. We lost my grandmother in the fall of '05 and my husband's step-mom this past December.
You taught me so much in the class and I am hoping you find a quiet, private place to work your way through the grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 04, 2007 at 09:03 AM
Karen, Someone may have already mentioned this on this post. I didn't read the comments. But I just received an email from CI and I think it's an awesome tribute to your grandfather that the featured project this month happened to be the one with the pic of you and him. No small coincidence. God is good. Hugs to you. -Alisa
Posted by: Alisa Logue | April 04, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Honey, I am so so sorry...I hope that you will take some comfort in the fact that you & Annie Bannie were there with him on his journey home..
Take some time to take deep breaths, lean on Josh, smooch on your kids...know that from all of us that care about you and your family that you are in our prayers.
(((HUGS)))
Dolly
Posted by: Dolly | April 04, 2007 at 11:51 AM
I really can't expand anymore than what everyone else already have so here's a hug ((hug)). That's all I've got.
:D
Posted by: robyn bedsaul | April 04, 2007 at 05:50 PM
so sorry to hear the sad news
please know that you & your family & your grandfather will be in my prayers.
(((hugs))))
Posted by: gigi | April 05, 2007 at 05:05 PM