Yesterday would have been Calvin's 14th birthday. I can't believe he was going to be that old. But then I thought that when he turned 12. Maybe now that he's old enough to be done passing the sacrament at church I won't cry every time I see the other boys passing it on Sunday. I doubt that will happen because there aren't enough 12 and 13-year-olds so he would still be passing the sacrament on Sundays, cuz he likes to help out others.
It was a day to remember yesterday. I came home early from work cuz I just didn't want to be there anymore. I know I feel that way most days, but I felt like yesterday was different, so I just left at lunchtime. Came home to Olaf plowing snow off sidewalks, driveways, and our little tiny dead-end street. (Guess what! I live on a private drive! I just learned last week the road is owned by the farmer, not the city. No wonder I have to call for them to plow snow every other year! And now I understand why our mailbox is off to the side of our house instead of being in front since that's not a public street.) He went to his sister's house and took the boys with him, on a sled pulled by the 4-wheeler! They called me from Sister Nurse's house needing clothing since they were soaked. It's only 1 1/4 miles to her house but they managed to fall off as much as possible. Boys!
That night we had decided to go out for dinner. We got ready to brave the third snowstorm. I had been storming off and on all day. And each storm would dump three to six inches. We got a candle and a jar and took it over the the gravesite. We lit the candle and left it there for him. I'm sure the falling wet snow snuffed the flame out quickly, but it was still going when we left. I had already received several calls from friends and family as had Chris to help us through the day. Just before we left we had a slew of visitors bringing us cards and treats to remember Calvin. One of his friends brought over a sign they had made and put it in the front yard. We discovered they had made two signs and put one at the grave.
We finally made it to dinner. We had Chinese because we were afraid Mexican would be too sad for us and we wanted to make it a positive and upbeat day. Afterwards we went to Walmart to do a little shopping for someone else's Christmas. That was fun! That is our new tradition on Calvin's birthday. He was such a good kid and loved helping others that we will continue that in his memory every year.
When we got home we caught some neighbors shoveling our driveway. They said they were hoping to get it done before we got there, but we had 'caught' them. We just have some of the best neighbors. All in all it was a pretty good day, other than missing Calvin.
11 comments:
Sounds like you guys did alright. I'm glad so many people remembered, friends and family. We do miss him so much.
I love you guys!!
Calvin is amazing kid and will always be remembered for his generosity and kindness. I hear the YW and YM always talking about him and his love of giving to others.
We love you neighbors!
Glad the day turned out ok. I think that is a wonderful tradition to start and share with the boys. We love you!
Our thoughts and prayers were with all of you yesterday and every day.
What a great tradition to celebrate Calvin's life. We love you guys and you're in our thoughts!
I like how you guys are going to celebrate Calvin. We also went out for Chinese last night, we knew it was David's favorite, but we have it way to much here. But today I went to Taco Bell at lunch in honor of him. I'm glad you only stayed until lunch at work. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as are all of my co-workers. They all ask about you, everyday and are telling me how they are praying for you and Chris and the boys. I love you!
I wish I could of been there to celebrate Calvin's b-day with you. I like your new tradition, that's very nice.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALVIN DEAR!
P.S. We had Chinese last night too. Maybe that could be another tradition, eat chinese on Calvin's birthday!
What a special family Calvin was lucky to have. Today is the day that Grandma Jean left us 22 years ago. It seems just like yesterday because we keep her spirit alive by celebrating her everyday. I know she and Calvin celebrated his birthday together. We love you!
thanks for sharing. what a difficult day--bittersweet, i'd imagine. i agree with Morgana; the giving gifts to someone else is a great tradition. and the Chinese food thing could be another! i hope you know that i think of you & yours often. :) i feel bad that i'm not in better touch with you. i haven't been very good about consistently praying (feel special that i'm actually typing those words out), but when i do, i try to remember to pray for y'all. i hope you & your guys have a nice Christmas...! :)
Post a Comment