Start of a New Tradition

 Last year some months ago, we heard about grandparents who took their eight or ten year olds on a special trip just one on one. Since Jayson is 10, we decided we would take our 10 year olds off on a short vacation. Jeffrey researched and looked up places he would like to go with a grandchild. 

He gave Jayson three choices:

1. Ballon ride in Napa, a Sharks Hockey game, and a trip to the Lick Observatory

2. Go to the Grand Canyon with hikes and vista

3. Go to Disneyland

Jayson chose Disneyland. While thinking about it, Jeffrey decided to add Corina who will be 10 this year - if she wanted to go. Her parents said yes!

So early on a Monday morning, Jeffrey and I took off to Redding to pick up Jayson and then drove over to Sacramento to pick up Corina. The traffic was so lite we got there early and visited with James and Oliver for a bit. We took them to the airport. I am pretty sure they have both been on a plane, but I don't know.

From all reports they had a great time.

Picking up Jayson from Redding (actually small stop on the way to Sac.)

Picking up Corina from her home

At the airport

Two on a plane

Hotel at Disneyland

In Sacramento

At the airport

Jeffrey is looking forward to Caleb and Oliver in their 10th year!

Afternoon with Nona and Opa

 The girls came over for a few hours. I thought I'd make them some pajama pants from a silky, soft, small blanket. The girls entertained themselves in the back room running in circles and whatnot. Makynlee is a child who does not stop moving until she sleeps - and you have to get her to relax to sleep.

Well she planted her face in the floor and banged her teeth in the wood. Her lip seemed to be the only casualty. I told her I would give her Dad popsicles when he banged up his face, but I didn't have any. Did she want a frozen strawberry? She said yes - then needed two more strawberries before the day was over.

Opa took a break in a football game and read a book to the girls.

I worked on the pjs and when it was over, there were fuzz bits everywhere! I got some good free labor when I went to clean up.

I love being with these girls and watching them grow up so nice. They are so good about cleaning up when they are finished playing. Julia is teaching them some really nice life skills that are a benefit to me.

End of a year and we're all going home

 On Sunday almost everyone had left Janice's house. Only Matthew and Debbie were leaving on Monday. Andrew and Michael went to the airport together and Jeffrey and I soon followed. We met up and talked until Michael left, then talked a little more with Andrew until our flight left. The year is gone, Beverly is gone and we are about gone......life goes on to new adventures.

Smack along side of the Head - - figuratively

 

Nature couldn't have put on a better show for me. All the snow was colored gold. It was awesome to be there in person. The beauty fills a piece in my heart. I went over to the condo with Jeffrey and Debbie for some reason. Kindra and her family were just packing up and leaving.  We gave hugs goodbye and went to finish whatever it was we came for.

That's when it hit me. Beverly Adams, my friend, loving mother in law, companion in jigsaw puzzles, warm figure to my children and grandchildren, great cook, music teacher, accompanist, and mother to my husband was gone. The empty shelves, walls, and packed up boxes was as clear as the glassed over eyes of my dead cat. She is gone.

So now I'm having a moment with people who have already accepted that Beverly is gone. I just wander a minute.

Debbie has looked through the music to see if she wants to bring anything home and then she sits down at Beverly's piano and plays. Her eyes, soul, and body are wrapped up in her music and she doesn't see anyone at all. In that instance I wanted her to have that piano that she had played in college while going to school, played duets with Beverly for their mutual enjoyment, and loved so much. Music is part of Debbie's soul and that piano.....well......

it would take up all the space in her living room without any place for the children. I have no place to store it at my house until she did get a house, and her mom has a small place with no room either.

So I cried a bit because a tie to my life is gone. I cried a bit because Debbie couldn't have this dream. And I cried because an era is over.

After the solemnities

 I had to get pictures of the families present. I didn't see individuals so I am hoping I didn't miss someone important.

John and Kindra with Crystal and Jade, Rob and Kim, Justin, Jessica, Danelle and Josh Nead

Rebekah and Mike, Rachel, Nate, Matthew and Debbie, Michael, Andrew, I and Jeffrey with Corina, Oliver and James

Greg Adams, Sarah and Jeremy, Carol and Mike, Rand with his mom Jenifer and dad Ross Lunceford

Matthew, Debbie, Corina, James and Oliver

Rebekah and Mike

Lloyd Adams and his wife - Jeffrey used to disappear during vacations at Lloyd's house as a young boy

Luciano and Payton, Sabrina and Gabe, Greg and Janice, and Jared

Tom and LeeAnn was there but I failed to get their picture. Jeffrey and I went over to their house after the funeral and told them all about our stay in Africa. 

Requested Song for Grandmama

 Beverly asked each of my boys separately in different years to sing at her funeral. Michael of course, asked what would happen if he didn't as she wouldn't be there. She said she would haunt him. Nate took her request very seriously and had copies of Amazing Grace printed up. Matthew wanted it to sound good and they went through a few rehearsals after everyone had arrived.  

Last gift for Grandmama, Amazing Grace sang at her graveside.

Matthew, Andrew, Michael, and Nate

If you want to actually hear it, check it out on Youtube.

PallBearers for Grandmama

The grandsons were Beverly's pallbearers. One last act of respect for a grand lady.

Justin Nead, Gabe Adams, Andrew Adams, Greg Adams, Josh Nead, Matthew Adams, Michael Adams and Nate Adams

Adding boutonnières as tribute

The Participants - well the ones I caught....

 Being the youngest and living a long time insured that many of Beverly's family, friends, and neighbors were already gone waiting for her to meet them. The rest of us met on Saturday morning to pay our respects.

Lavender is Beverly's favorite color. Pictures, her organ shoes, journals and other  meaningful items were displayed. This display is by Kindra.

A basket of chocolate bars were offered to all. Beverly's favorite of course.

Those who came - feel free to email or text me with proper names!

Sarah and her son Jeremy

Robert and Kim Reeve

Jessica with her brother Justin Nead

Mike and Carol Adams with their son Greg

Jenifer and Ross Lunceford with their son Rand

Mike Adams with LeeAnn and Tom Powell

Stacey (Beverly's niece) and _______

Gabe and Sabrina Adams

Josh and Danelle Nead with Rob and Kim Reeve and Justin Nead (Greg and friends in the background)

Luciano Vieira with Payton

John Kuchler with Crystal, Jade, and Kindra

More I may or may not know.......

Jessica with friends

Jeffrey and John Warren flank his niece (but I can't remember her name

Lloyd Adams and his wife

Jeffrey and Grant Miller a friend from the Sunnyvale ward

Rachel, Jeffrey, Rebekah, and Mike find a moment

Payton and Janice on the outside of the two who sang and played, too bad I can't find the program
Let me know if anyone knows all their names - and the guy. on the left.

I am sure there were others who slipped in and slipped out or I just missed them altogether. I don't think I got a picture of the stake presidency member - or was it the Stake president?  

It is really nice to be with other people who knew and loved Beverly and were aware of her strength, courage, and endurance. 

I am looking to update this post as I get information...........let me know.