This weekend our family made a whirlwind, 1100 mile driving trip in 55 hours. I wrote in September how our family was stunned by the loss of a friend. This woman loved my children with all of her heart, and we were so very thankful that she was a part of our lives. Her family had a memorial service this weekend and we drove over to be there. I can't help but feel that this weekend was Pat's final gift to us.
Her husband came by on his way through Tuesday evening and we were able to spend a few hours with him then. Our family then left Friday morning and drove eight hours Friday. We found a great little place to stay, and Andrew and I both commented on how much we enjoyed our Friday evening together as a family. We were all in one hotel room, but not a room that was so small we were all on top of each other. It was really perfect. We had dinner together and laughed together, and just enjoyed each other. Yesterday we finished the drive and were able to spend a few hours visiting with her family. It was wonderful to see her kids whom we had met before, as well as meet her absolutely adorable grandchildren. It was also nice to meet her siblings and extended family. Everyone was so welcoming, and I'm so grateful we were able to make the trip. After we left the service we drove about half way back to home and spent the night with Andrew's parents. Even though we were only there about 15 hours, they were absolutely thrilled to have us overnight and for breakfast this morning. We left after breakfast and returned home early evening...in time for Robert to get some drive time in and for the other two to work on homework from missing school.
I just kept thinking to myself that Pat would be very pleased to know that although the reason for the trip made us sad, the fact that we had so much time as a family, and with her family and my in-laws, would have made her very happy. I am grateful for this weekend, and her final gift to us.
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