California

Last weekend my mom, Bridger & I made an unexpected road trip to Southern California. After 8 weeks in a trauma unit as a result of injuries sustained by an auto/pedestrian accident, my Great Uncle Paul slipped from this life to the next. He leaves behind his sweet wife (Ann) & son (Rick).

Mom was very close to Uncle Paul and, as a result, I, too have many fond memories of driving to visit him, listening to his many {hilarious} stories, him teasing Patrick & I, chuckling as he talked about a cousin he nicknamed 'Speed', and going to the driving range so he could show us the ropes. When I was really young, I always wondered how he lost that pinkie toe...and I later found out that it was during his service as a Marine in Vietnam.

Uncle Paul and his wife have always been so thoughtful in sending Patrick & I Christmas cards every year (always with some spending money for us to enjoy) and they have continued to keep in close contact as we have grown, moved away and married.

There are some people who radiate goodness...that was my Uncle Paul. He was always good for a laugh, a smile, a bear hug, and was kind to all he came in contact with. My heart broke as I stood at the funeral and watched we, his family and friends, mourned. In fact, I couldn't believe when I looked over and saw Paul's gardener with his 13 year old son who was sobbing. It showed me that his kindness influenced even those he saw only once a week {probably in passing}.

While the circumstances were definitely not optimal, it was nice to spend time with Mom as we drove. Bridger was a nice distraction from the tragic reasons we were going--and boy was he a good little traveler! On the way there he cried for maybe 20 minutes when the carseat proved to be much to hot for his liking. The trip home brought about 30 minutes of crying when he realized that driving in the dark {something he has never done for longer than 30 minutes} was kind of scary. Pretty good considering it was about 10 hrs. each way {with stops}.

{Even though Bridger spent most of his time sleeping, we did entertain him by combing his hair, reading him books on my Mom's iPad, singing him songs, and playing with his toys}

{I was so grateful that Bridger slept through the funeral. My Mom spoke and we sang a song...Bridger helped us by not crying.}

{Bridger with his Great-Grandpa--my Uncle Paul's oldest brother}

Although we are very glad to be safely home, the slowdown has resulted in much more reflection for our great loss. I can't imagine what Ann is feeling and I pray that I will never have to experience that kind of hurt.

Uncle Paul--I love you. I will miss you. And I hope you are teeing up right now. :)