Love Will Keep Us Alive

Well, I uploaded the many pictures I snapped while at the lake.

To say they move me, is an understatement. Shocker I know.  I caught shots of our nieces, nephew, the young ones that have grown up just like Kali. Bill's sisters stayed with us.  It was new moments. New time to sit and chat. Sipping coffee in jammies, preparing a full house to soon head off to the lake to celebrate a full life of Art.  92 years to be exact. 

Friends that turned into family for Bill from the time they were young guns.
Camping at the river.  When they say "back in the day"-  It was the true real days.
Days when they'd pack chairs, blankets, ice chests and kids on the top of this fine yellow fellow-
Load after load from the ramp to the camp.  And repeat until the entire camp site filled full with both families...
Their parents partying along the river and lakes, while the kids fended for themselves.
Soon, everyone grew up.  Life moved on.  Now we celebrate life, and spread ashes along side Art's favorite cove. 

Oh ya baby.....

AKA "Piss On Ya"

These sunsets never get old, that's for sure...

One of the Mama's.....Sharon-

Go Rocky, Go.

I could see the memories flood Bill.  Days turning into months, months turn into years, years fold into memories...

Where the lump in my throat turned to tears....

Arts grandson Jordan, handing respect to Mama....

I know, don't act so shocked that you see the same outfit from our last gig.  This is what you get when you have a full week of you name it and no time to shop.  Not to mention I don't like to shop...and so.
But the kicker?  My sandals...not even on all the way. Because reaching down was way too much. boom- #nosejobplease

What you can possibly see is the little vials of ashes around our necks tucked into those adorable lei's-of Art to soon spread.  Only this chick decided to keep her little pieces of him next to his bottle of Chivas he brought to us a few years ago. It was his bottle from years ago that he wanted to give us. I will never forget that night.  As he was starting to feel the torture of Alzheimer's Disease. It was that night we knew something was changing.  And fast. And so we have that very old beautiful bottle of Chivas.  He'll stay right there.  I will toast to him, knowing he's keeping a safe eye on our house, and moments up there....

Larry and Ava

The Gaylord side of the gathering.....

Larry and Mayra

"Sophie"

Grandma Sharon and Jordie....

Heading out to pay our respect....

Come on Mama.....

As the ashes were spread, and tears continued to fall, the song "Love will keep us alive" played by The Eagles. By his request. Two songs, with ashes right there.  It played loud enough from the pontoon.  That along with one from Frank Sinatra.  Pure love people, pure love.

To be surrounded by your family and friends for this wish was every thing sweet. Although tears fell, the moments spent together, for his wishes made it all so super sweet. 

As we pulled back in at dusk, everyone kind of went their own way.  Our family as a family of 25ish? went upstairs for dinner.  It was full.  It was peaceful. It was everything I believe Art would ever want.

"LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE"

Rest Easy Art....We will miss you dearly-

It always will....

Happy Hump Day.

Be kind, and stay true.

Leese