Welcome Fall

Happy October everyone -

 That is nuts to me.. I remember when I was little the "old" people would think, we have tons of time!! " Well now I guess the shoe is on the other foot. I feel that the summer goes too fast.  But as much as we did this Summer, Fall was a welcomed guest.

My family did some major traveling this summer.  We went out west to many National Parks - it was amazing.  communing with nature.. how cliche, right?   But it is true.  We had the opportunity to see the Grand Canyon  - both the North and South rim.  Now I have to say that when I walked up to see the Grand Canyon for the first time, I was struck with awe.  I really never thought I would ever write that.. I always thought people were over dramatic when they would say that phrase.  So,  I take back the judging (for now ;)) and tell you that the view was breathtaking.  It was almost surreal to me. So peaceful yet so alive. 

We saw the most wildlife in Yellow Stone.  The Bison own that "town" as the humans would frequently be stuck in "traffic" because there were these two bison  - let's call them Mo and Jo, who liked to lay down on the road.  It was like a daily thing.  I swear, they probably clocked in at noon and were done around 8.
I always wondered when their shift was over. I think I said that too much on the trip. After the second time, I did not get one single reaction from my family. Clearly, I need new material.  

We went to other awesome sights such as the Arches, Mount Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Crazy Horse and so much more. It was a big beautiful fulfilling trip.  Now I bet you are thinking, what does this have to do with anything on this blog.  Well, I had the chance to observe so many things on this trip.  One major thing is family.  The lives of so many families, at all stages.  They were so full of life. Most were so happy even if their lives were in turmoil.

But there was one woman who really touched me.  I met her on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. She was there with her daughter and granddaughter.  And as the kids climbed out to this  "mountain' if you will, she and I chatted about everything, it was like we had been friends for a long time.  She told me that she had a brain tumor, and did not tell her granddaughter yet - she did not want to ruin the trip, but there was hope that she would be able to have surgery to get rid of the tumor.  You could feel the gratitude she had for her life, for her family and for the future, whatever it would hold.

That has stuck with me ever since.  I have prayed for her well being. I hope she gets the help that she needs. I hope her granddaughter spends time with her.  Because it is all about family. 

To be in the present with family, in the now, not on a phone, not a text, not snap chatting (but really, I love to snap chat) but to be IN nature, in the now.  It is a very special thing.  The trip helped clear my head, and my body. 

And for this, I am grateful.  

What are you grateful for?

Talk about luck of the Irish...

Hey everyone -

I hope you all have been doing well - the last year has been quite busy but I have still been singing for the dead.  I want to tell you a story about the gentleman that passed recently.

As some of you might know, the history of the Irish wake is a bit  different than what we do here in the states.  The wake would take place at the deceased's home, instead of a funeral home.  Those who wished to pay their respects would come to the home - They then have what is called the removal. The  body of the deceased would be removed at night and brought to the church - a procession primarily on foot, would follow the hearse to the church.  Now the funeral - very similar to what we have here in the states.  But I think here, there is a bit more fanfare.. so here we go...

You always know it's an irish funeral when there are bagpipes..and if you know me, if you are playing the pipes.. especially after my last post,  you better be good.  I know that is a given but for some reason I needed to say that.. lol -  There is nothing like a bad bagpiper -In this case.. he was pretty darn good. whew.

The gentleman who passed was quited elderly when he left this earth - his beautiful family was there to celebrate his life - he had everything planned out - but I think there are a few things that stand out to me as being .. well just awesome.

Oh the stories the family told - there was so much laughter in the church.  They were celebrating his life - yes they were sad he was not physically there with them, but they all knew he was in a better place now and was free from pain.

Now if you remember, I pretty much sing a lot of the same songs so when I was told I was not singing the recessional hymn and they were playing a cd - well we have been down this road before... I could only imagine what it could be.  And this my friends was the best send off EVER. And what could top it off.. a friend of mine trying to dance a jig.. I will not show the video.

But please enjoy this - this was the recessional song! It was fantastic!