A tribute...

So as most of our friends and family know, we've lost two family members in the time since Adam was born. Yesterday was the estate auction for all the stuff from Max's dad's place, the cabin, and Grandma and Grandpa's house. Imagine tables and tables of all the things they collected in their lifetimes - things that meant a lot to them but then are just picked through by the auction crowd. In the end these things are sold for basically pennies on the dollar. Through all this I've come to two conclusions which are probably good reminders for all of us:
1) Things are just things. We strive all our lives for them but in the end they aren't truly what's important.
2) When we lose someone we love its the memories in our mind and heart that keep them alive. Yes, it can be hard to sell the house or their prized possessions but that's not where their spirit lies - it's always in us. Their things may be gone but the memories will always live on

Gone but never forgotten...

3/11/39-4/2/09

Max's Dad, Max, was a collector of all things. You know that saying "one man's junk is another man's treasure"? Ya, that was him - except when you needed something he always had one (or seven!). He was always tinkering with something outside. Before he retired in 2005, Max was a bus driver for Selah Schools and all the kids wanted to be on his bus. He loved his family more than anything and was very excited to meet his first grandson. Adam and his grandpa only spent 4 weeks on this Earth together before we lost him but we know Grandpa Max is looking down and watching over him.

2/7/24-5/26/09

Grandma Elizabeth saw a lot in her lifetime. She, her husband and young daughter came to our country from Germany many years ago. She was a resourceful lady who painted beautifully and made the best cakes. She loved her family dearly - especially her great grandchildren. She was only able to see Adam one time but we will always remember the grin she had on her face when she saw him. Never a day went by that Grandma didn't miss her husband after he passed and we take comfort knowing that she is with him today.