Changes
Sorry for not posting for a few days. I’ve been away and feel funny telling the world “Hey! I’ll be away from my house for three days to please fee free to break in!”. Not that they is anything to steal but a junky old computer and some chocolate, right? Its the principle of the thing.
Anyway, I’ve been away because my Grandmother died last week. She was 94. We drove out on Wednesday for the wake and the funeral was the next day. Not alot of people there because 1) she had outlived most people she knew and 2) they didn’t put an announcement in the paper because they were afraid people would break into the house and trash the place.
The four grandsons, my nephew (great-grandson!), and my brother-in-law were pall bearers (sp?). I had never done that before and it was a little strange. I guess though I felt like I had done something useful there. I was asked to read something at the funeral because my aunt and cousin were having hard time holding it together, which I can understand. My mom read a eulogy she had written which I thought was pretty good, and really described my grandmother well. My Dad got up to say a few words to give my aunt some time to compose herself so she could talk. It was a pretty rough time for alot of people.
We buried her in a cemetery just down the street from her house. The same one where my father had a job mowing lawns when he was little. The same one where so many of my relatives on that side of the family are buried. She’s buried right next to my grandfather, with their neighbor George buried on the other side of him. It seemed fitting since George had owned the other half of the duplex where they had lived.
We used to stop to see her when we would drive out east to see my parents. It will be strange not stopping at her house anymore. When we left, we drove past her exit and you can see the cemetery from the highway, and even the grave site because there is some type of blooming crabapple tree right beside the grave and the white flowers are easy to spot this time of year.
My brother came out for the funeral. I hadn’t seen him in years and, in fact, I think I’ve seen him about 4 times in the last 15 years. I saw my father’s brother and his family for the first time in about 20 years. Its a shame it takes something like this for folks to come and see each other, but if anything good comes out of losing someone, its that people do get together to remember that they are still a family.
While I was away, my company decided to split itself up. HUGE reorganization. I got a few details from some emails at the office (went in last night to read them) but I missed all the Q&A sessions. I have no idea if I am still part of the parent company or in the new one. The new one is just a holding company where different parts are going to be bought by other companies. Kinda scary. Hoping for the best.
Needless to say, running has come to a complete standstill. I brought some running clothes with me on the trip, thinking I might have a chance on the ‘mill to run and it might help me get some contemplation/relax time in. Not really. So I ate like a total hog (ice cream and waffles!) and I’m sure I gained 10 pounds.
My shins feel good and the ITB twinges have stopped so I’m thinking this AM I will head out for my long run. The schedule says 7 miles, but I’ll see how I’m doing. Nice easy pace though. No need for speed today. And this is the official taper week before the 5K.
Hope you all have been well. Gotta go read some blogs.
May 29th, 2005 07:21
I’m really sorry to hear of your loss. Hang in there during the upcoming changes at work…and good luck in your 5K.
May 29th, 2005 08:19
It is good that you’ve been able to take some time to mourn your grandmother with your family. Having lost my own grandmother recently, I understand and send you consoling thoughts. Hang in there with your company’s changes, and use your running time to just Be. Running doesn’t always solve problems, but for me it helps them seem a little less daunting when I’m done.
May 29th, 2005 09:18
I am so sorry Jon. You are right about times like that bringing a family together, so some good does come out of it. She lived a long life, but it’s never easy saying goodbye to a loved one. An emotional week for you with the job changes, too. I am thinking of you.
May 29th, 2005 14:40
Jon, I’m sorry to read about your grandmother. It is sad that it takes things like a funeral to bring the family together; my family is kind of the same way.
Good luck with your 5K tapering.
May 29th, 2005 18:34
Sorry for your loss Jon. *cyber-hugs* Good luck with your company reorg. Hopefully the change will be for the best in your case.
May 29th, 2005 22:07
Hugs to you and yours , Jon. Remember the best.
May 29th, 2005 23:03
Dear Jon: So sorry to hear about your loss.
Glad to hear that you got to see some family members and catch up on things.
All my best, kirsten
May 29th, 2005 23:10
Jon - My condolences.
May 30th, 2005 01:10
Hey Jon - I’ll be thinking of you. Best wishes while there is so much going on between family and work.
May 30th, 2005 06:24
Sorry to hear about your loss. It’s never easy, lots of emotions from the family and from within. Running helps!
I once went on vacation, came back and was told I was no longer in the company. My company split and I was placed in the new company (the jolly jokers in my office thought it was so funny - had me go’in for a while). Hang in there!
May 30th, 2005 07:58
Sorry to hear about your grandmother, Jon. Good to hear that much of your family was able to make it back, though. Celebrate the good times. Always celebrate the good times. - On a lighter note (since I’m finally catching up on everyone’s blogness) - the pics of your trip to the Apple store were brilliant. Run on.
May 30th, 2005 10:12
Jon, celebrate her life! And how wonderful that she is still close to her “home”. Running is a gift and even though it is the first thing we drop in time of crisis, it is such a reward to get back at it!!
Thoughts and prayers.
May 30th, 2005 10:54
Condolences on your loss. Sounds like you’re living in “interesting times” at work, too. =( Good luck with that.
May 30th, 2005 11:22
Sorry, to hear about your grandma, I lost a grandparent recently and while I didn’t see him as much as I would like to, I miss him every day.
Also your pictures on the sidebar are a nice addition….and very professional looking
May 30th, 2005 15:30
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I lost my grandfather last year, so I know how you feel, and I’m so sorry for your loss.
And the company break-up! Wow. Big news. Let us know what’s going on. I’m sure you’ll come out just fine.
May 30th, 2005 17:42
Hey. I am glad you could be with your family this weekend and I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you are feeling good physically and hope it carries over emotionally. Take care.
May 30th, 2005 18:23
Sorry for your loss John. There is something really lovely about the way you described your grandmothers resting place, with the tree and surrounded by family and friends.
It is very sad that it takes something like that to bring family together. When my father in law died a few weeks ago I met people I had never even heard of who were relatives and I thought it was such a shame.
May 30th, 2005 18:34
Gee, you forget to mention me, your nephew, was also a pall bearer!
May 30th, 2005 20:06
Jon,
It sounds like an emotional week for you. Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know exactly what you mean about those events bringing family together; it is one good thing coming out of the sad. Good luck with the reorganization.
May 30th, 2005 21:43
RYN: I was hoping to do a run next month but since my wonderful husband will be over your way for business it will have to wait for the month after. I will post the details on my web page soon.
May 30th, 2005 22:02
Really sorry to hear this, Jon. You have such a good perspective about family … it is true that it is good to at least be together at this time.
Take it easy.
May 30th, 2005 23:03
All the best to you and your family Jon. Take care of one another.
May 31st, 2005 07:16
I’m a little behind, having been away myself. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I was a pallbearer at my grandmother’s funeral, too and it did help to know that I was being useful somehow. It also helped to know that she would have loved that I marched right up there and said, “I don’t care if I’m a girl, I’m carrying that casket.” :)
Good luck with work!!!
May 31st, 2005 09:08
Condolences and cyber hugs. I hope your job works out ok as well. Take care.
May 31st, 2005 12:34
I am so sorry Jon, hugs
Heather
June 1st, 2005 02:15
Jon, I am sorry.