Saying Goodbye to GG

My Grandmother passed away in November and rather than a funeral the family decided to have a celebration of life later in the summer. This ensured that all the key family members could plan to get together. Everyone directly descended from GG was able to attend. This included 2 children, 5 grand children and 7 great grand children plus spouses. GG certainly knew all her grand kids and great grand kids but when it came to getting their names out in the moment there was often mistakes made. It didn't help that there were multiple Kerry's and at least 6 kids that ended with the sound en/an/on.

The celebration of life was an all day event and we started with a trip to the cutbanks. GG had many fond memories of this area as her family had a farm on the river right in front of them. She told many stories of making her way across the river to school. Walking, boating and crossing the ice were all valid ways of getting to school in her day. The family walked to an area where we could see where her farm was and we spread some of her ashes over the embankment. She will have fun walking back up.

The next quintessential GG location was West Lake. Our family has owned property there for many generations and we're left with 2 1/2 acres of the best beach. I have many memories of GG sitting on the beach by her tree. She didn't sit for long of course because there was always work to do, whether it be pushing rocks back up the beach, making the fire or cutting brush. She was always busy. Mom built a small garden for her ashes. GG always had a garden at the lake and the original is now too close to shore. This new spot should last a long time.

The Monday after the celebration of life was Canada Day and the family took our regular trip to what was previously known as Fort George Park. I would list the new name but it's native and hard to remember. I have no issue with the renaming. The park was built on top of an Indian Burial Ground. Good karma to recognize it with a name that doesn't represent colonization. The steam engine was working and we had some great food. The weather wasn't great but the rain stopped long enough to enjoy.

This was our first trip up since my nephew Lucas was born. I think he's about 10 months old. He's a funny little character. Quiet most of the time and he's got some baby chubbiness to him. He doesn't smile too much but by the time we left we had a few techniques including blowing on his feet and squishing his cheeks together. He was starting to crawl so he should be a handful for his parents shortly. He's quite alert so I think he should be as bright as his big brother Jackson.

Our last GG related event was a trip to the Prince George cemetary. It's becoming more common to cremate but GG wanted some of her ashes spread on Grandpa's grave. I never knew him as he died when my mom was 17 but we found him in the veterans area of the cemetary. Mom couldn't remember where he was but GG had taken us there often so I recognized the  group of trees where he was buried. Apparently GG brought some trees from the lake when he was buried. Not allowed anymore but fun to know the big trees were planted by our family. Bye GG. We love you.