What a week it's been

Well, it has been quite a week for us over here. Last Saturday night my father passed away. My mom called me on Saturday afternoon saying that he was not doing so well, and she wanted me to come over. So I came over. He started to do a little better at dinner time, and was even joking around a little bit. Then later he started to get to be more non-responsive. That night he slipped away in his sleep. It was a little unreal, and quite an evening. I am so glad that I was able to be there with my mom as it happened. All of my brothers and sister have moved away, though emotionally are close. I was just glad that my mom was not alone that night. I am also so thankful for all of my parents friends. That night some friends visited the house, and one of them offered to stay there with my mom if she needed it. I'm so glad that so many people care about her. There were so many people who came that night, and so many others that would have come to stay with my mom had they been called.
So that night was kind of numb despite all that went on. There were family members to be called. It was fortunate that all of our family was out west, so that no one had to be woken up in the middle of the night. By the time everything was take care of, and everyone came and went it was about 2:30am, and we then had to "sleep."
Sunday was another day of tears for us. We had a few visitors, and Jesse was able to be there the whole day. By that evening, David, Chris and Erin got there, and that was a huge relief. There is something about David that just makes you think that things will be ok again, and that he will take care of our family. It was very obvious to watch him this past week and see that he realized that he was our family's priesthood leader. There have been many times this week that I have been so glad to have such righteous brothers.
The rest of the week, more and more family arrived each day. We always have a good time when we are together, and although this was a more somber gathering, it was still really nice to be together as a family. I am so lucky to have such an amazing family and such wonderful sisters and brothers-in-law.
On Wednesday night we had the viewing, and that went well. It was so great to see all of these people who loved my dad, and love my family. It was so wonderful for me to have so many friends there to support me.
Thursday was the funeral, and that was really nice too. My dad was a wonderful person, and loved by so many. It was really nice the rest of the day to be able to talk to my Aunt Chris about her memories of my dad's early days. We really just spend the day talking together as a family, and that was really great.
On Friday we were able to go to the temple as a family. That was such a powerful and unifying experience, and I can't believe how lucky I am to be a member of this amazing family.
Sunday most everyone went home, so that was our last chance to just spend time together as a family. It was sad to see people leave, but Erin is here through the end of the week, and next week David will be back to check in on things. After the new year, Tim will come back for a while, and I'd imagine Chris and or Erin will be back before the end of January. It will be nice to be able to see everyone with a little more regularity.
But in the mean time, it will be me and my mom, hanging out together, finding a new normal.
In addition to seeing the best in my family, I am so thankful for my friends this past week. I have had so many offers of help and compassion. Jesse's family have been saints with child care, as well as a few other friends. Jana gave up a much needed day of sewing to watch my children, and knowing that makes it all the more appreciated. My college roommates sent "meals from out of town" in the form of gift cards. That was unexpected, and much appreciated. And then there was the day that Jana told me she needed my house key for the day. I came home that night to find that a team of 5 friends had came into my house and cleaned it from top to bottom. This place looked better than I ever get it to look. It felt so nice to come home to a clean house. So to all of you who have been thinking and praying for us, and for those of you who have helped in some way or another, many many thanks to you too. It's been a roller coaster of a week, but I have made it through with your help.