I’ve just gotten back from a whirlwind trip to my hometown for Grandma McLane’s funeral… I’ve got so many observations to record.
- Grandma McLane died with 3 kids, 12 grandkids and 13 (+2 in the chute) great grandkids.
- In 29 years, I only ever beat her once in a game of 500 rummy. Against me, I think she was something like 250-1. I think the last time we played she let me win!
- I think everyone agreed that this was the way to go from this life. Favorite place on the planet, no pain or suffering, just a simple quick passing.
- A whole new level of respect for my wife. Having Megan and Paul to myself was pretty hard.
- I can do it. I’m not as incapable as I let on… I really do more than play a dad… I can actually do it.
- 5 hours in the car with toddlers will either make you yell a lot or buy a lot of candy. I chose the later.
- When a little boy dances and grabs his crotch… he’s not immitating Jay Z, the boy has to pee and he’s ready to do it where he’s at… including on the slide at the park.
- Little boy pee on your arms seems a lot less gross when you’ve barely made it to the john.
- You should be prepared to bribe a child at any time with candy.
- 6 year old boys will wrestle, jump on, and ask questions about anything that is moving or may soon move.
- Sirius Satelite radio was a great investment for me. It just makes road trips better.
- There are lots of parts about the catholic funeral service that I seemed lost in. It makes me wonder how many visitors feel lost at one of our services.
- My kids did an amazing job sitting through a very unfamiliar service at the church. Again, bribery worked well.
- Everyone got along too well. It was pretty weird… you put 40 people in a room who never talk about anything to the point that they are complete strangers… and they manage to talk about nothing but get along fine.
- It was really great to have that many members of the family together.
- I may be approaching 30, but in my older cousins eyes I will never have more than "little punk kid" status. And that’s fine.
- I met my brother’s wife for the first time. She was exactly as described to me. Very cool, quiet, and quite nice. She get’s a hero award today for jumping in to help me with the kids.
- My nephew Ryan is a blast to be around. I’ll post a picture later, but he and Paul could be brothers.
- There is nothing quite like returning home. Pulling into the driveway, unloading the kids, and climbing the stairs into the house is one of the best feelings on earth.
- It’s equally good to have a church family that loves and cares for you in many tangible and intangible ways.
- It’s a whole ‘nother list… but we never thought we’d feel so at home anywhere as we feel in Romeo.
Goodnight.
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