Grandma Shumway's Funeral

On the morning of Sunday, November 2, 2008, Derek and I got a call from Derek's mom saying that Derek's Grandma Shumway had passed away. Derek immediately began his plans to decide when he was going to head out to California. I did not think I was going to get to go. However, on Tuesday morning, after Derek had already left and had been driving 2 hours, I was checking my E-mail before going to class and found that my major Nursing teacher totally supported me going. Not only that, but ALL my teachers supported me going with my husband and being at the funeral. So I called Derek and he, being the loving husband that he is, turned around and drove two hours back to get me. He ended up driving a total of 14 hours that day (I only drove 2 of it because it was really rainy and slushy and I don't do well driving on icy roads ever since my accident). 

Tuesday night we stayed at Derek's aunt and uncle's house. They are from the Marquette side of the family. We had a really good time socializing with them. Derek also loved the fact that we got to go to "In and Out Burger" and the orginal "Del Taco." Anyway, his Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tim were really nice. 

Wednesday, we drove one last hour to Riverside to meet up with the entire family at Grandpa Shumway's house. It was SO nice to see Jaclyn, Ethan, Jennifer, James, and of course, Mom and Dad. I had missed them SO much! Both Derek and I had. I also got to meet the ENTIRE family. Some of them didn't arrive until later in the week, but I met EVERYONE except for 1 cousin. It was really fun to get to learn where Derek gets some of his personality and character traits. 

I think my favorite part of honoring Grandma Shumway was the viewing. I just felt the spirit a TON while I was there. When I saw her in the casket, I honestly felt like I knew her and that she loves me. It was powerful. Everyone was given an opportunity, if they wanted, to stand up and say a memory they have of her or something they love about her. I didn't, but what many people said was very sweet. I loved it. 

The funeral was also good. I liked that there was a luncheon afterward so that I could continue to become acquainted with more of the family. I took some pictures and so I would like to share some of them.

Me, Grandpa Shumway, and Derek

Dad, Grandpa, and Derek

Derek, Uncle Bob, and Dad

Morning Time!

Breakfast with the Fam

Cutie Pies

Derek's house when he was a little, little boy

My Nephew, Baby Ethan!

Me and Dad with his million ketchups

Big D playing with James

James sleepy. What a cute boy.