Looking back, this month contained many events that I treasure in my heart and that many never happen again, but wait, maybe that is what life is about. During this time, I always had the feeling that the one who would have loved every minute of having her family around her wasn't there and yet she was why we were all together.
My greatest moments were when all eight of our immediate family were in Manitoba. The first occurrence was our birthday celebration at Brahmas just outside Neepawa. Grant, Sheryl and Neil had just arrived from Winnipeg airport. Grant flying in from Ottawa and Sheryl and Neil from Pretoria, SA. There was a great deal of construction and their drive, which should have taken 2 hours, took nearly 3. Claire, Noah and Brienne and George and I had moved from Elkhorn at Clear Lake to our favourite Bed and Breakfast in Neepawa. And at last here we all were, having a mediocre meal, laughing and talking and my heart was full of joy. Being at Clear Lake for the most important day of the year--Canada Day and bonus-- the entertainer was Al Simmons--Claire and Brienne had a photo with him--Violet enjoyed his antics, too. Schulzi and her Mom joined us for Canada day and were staying at the same hotel as we were. Brienne had a nap in Lili's arms. George and I had moved to a hotel in Neepawa which was only just acceptable. We gathered there in the breakfast room to laugh and chat after the day at Clear Lake. Joining the "children" at the end of their breakfast at the B&B was so delightful. Our friends, George and Susan, at the B&B where we had stayed many times during the past three years of Gladie's journey were so accommodating and kind to let us share our time in their wonderful home. They orchestrated our family photo in their back yard.
Other highlights: Guys shopping and returning with the giant-est marshmallows in the world. Noah buying a t-shirt that read " I love Neepawa". George bringing a stone from Clear Lake to place at Gladie's niche. We all have warm fuzzies for all the times we spent there. Arleigh picking stones for the same purpose but at the farm. Grant picking up a stone at Elks Manor, Gladie's home after Bob died. Placing stones or flowers at the cemetery are a way of saying "I was here and that I will always hold the memory of Gladie in my heart". Eating Gladie's favourite chocolate Wonderbar after the interment and having Happy Face balloons in the church waving around marked the joy of Gladie's life. Having ice cream (for me three times on Canada Day) because ice cream at Clear Lake is a ritual in fact, a family tradition. I bet everyone knows what flavour Bob would order every time we arrived at McTasvish's or the Boardwalk. And oh, the sunsets--how many times in our years in Manitoba have we enjoyed the sun setting over Clear Lake. And we have the photos to prove it.
My time at the farm was bitter/sweet--I missed times gone by and also relived lots of wonderful memories of times spent there. Bonfires. Hotdogs and s’mores. Sheryl cooking wieners. Those large marshmallows! Dancing in the barn yard to the music of The Irish Rovers on Bob's new truck radio. Many hours enjoying the bounty of the garden. Trips to the gravel pit. The golfing on the driving range. I remember how much Bob used to enjoy hitting them. Many family celebrations over the years including dimes in the cake. Grant and Neil and Violet playing soccer and Frisbee. Looking at the stars. Rob and Violet playing t-ball. And so many more...... just being there!
We all came to Manitoba to honour the life of Gladys McLaughlin but we also honoured our memories of growing up there. Everyone had a part in making the service very special. Joanne’s remarks. All the readings and remembrances, David lighting the candle, bringing in balloons, Violet placing one by the alter. Claire and Sheryl’s joint remembrances were great. Krista’s poem. George and Arleigh's remarks. Grant’s moving reading. The dancing happy face balloons were a special joy to me and to others who mentioned them at the lunch. Noah’s excellent care of Brienne during the service. The music especially “Lord of the Dance”. I think I could imagine Gladie dancing around the place in time to the music. All the cousins and special friends who came to the service. Sometimes it seems that lunch part moved too fast. Would have been great to have more time to chat.
Our Friday night/Saturday morning at the Grand Hotel in Winnipeg. Claire, Noah and Brienne were leaving in the morning. Our breakfast was in our room as it was easier than going out and also fun to eat and visit. This was the first of our goodbyes. Later in the day Grant would leave for Ottawa. Happily, we still had Sheryl and Neil for a couple of days. They went back to Elkhorn and prepared dinner while we spent some time just with Grant. Elkhorn was our family vacation spot since Sheryl was 2 years old and I think we all felt a tad sad at the end of our time there.
We enjoyed the rest of the week at Elkhorn, had a lovely dinner with Arleigh and Dave and Krista and Violet and friends, Tom and Betty, to celebrate our anniversary. Also Krista and Violet had a sleepover with us at Elkhorn. One last lunch at the Brahmas and then we went to Libau to spend the week with Schulzi. Lots of painting and visiting and yummy food and a bonus trip to the Museum for Human Rights and to see Les Mis at Rainbow Stage. Friday, July 18, we flew from Winnipeg to Iceland to start our next adventure.
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