Uncle Doug heads HOME

Bittersweet. It's the only word that makes sense when asked "so...how was your time in MN? I mean, despite the circumstances?" It's a hard question to ask because it could unleash a floodgate of raw emotion but not asking comes across as if it never happened. The "it" I'm referring to would be the passing of my dear uncle Doug Carlson. (my dad's brother...one of 6 kids...and an uncle to 17 nieces and nephews!)

The population of small-town Sandstone just about doubled in size as Carlson after Carlson descended upon it's perimeters for what would be a glorious reunion of sorts, mixed with the reality of having to say goodbye to one of our own. When I got "the call", flying home for the funeral wasn't really a serious consideration--more of a passing meandering thought, if you will. But our ways are not His ways and He was about to have His way. God's steady and faithful hand was in every speck of detail from the flight arrangements, to the clicking of my camera in moments that I didn't necessarily mean to capture (some too personal to share on here), to family conversations that would last well into the wee morning hours, to a funeral service that was "real" to the very core, and to the stories and one-liners (...auntie Marlys....) that would bring uproars of laughter. To say I'm thankful barely skims the surface of how truly grateful I am to have been a part of such a wonderful, bittersweet, weekend. You just can't put a price tag on being with family. Period.

and the water works began...hugging my dear Auntie Karen

family time!! Catching up with cousins

sharing a little laugh with my daddy

some of the family enjoying Sunday morning brunch

My favs!!!!! (mama and her daugthers)

So. Many. Flowers!!

And LOTS of tears.....

such a beautiful piano player....

...and organist. (Joanne and Marlys)

Honor Guard filing into the church...

...and saluting Doug. Tears.

The Carlson cousins together again...what a great looking crew!

the 6 gals :)

love my cous Johnna! :)

 the 3 brothers...figuring out who has the Carlson Shake down better ;)

Carlson brothers...Johnny, Rich, and Morris

they are now the Carlson quartet....

Military Honors following the funeral service

one of the sweetest moments of the day--Karen receiving the American flag

paparazzi Johnna!

where there's Carlson's, there's sure to be homemade ice cream! it's a staple.

hayride time!

see ya later!

over the river and through the woods.......

Other highlights from my quick jaunt to MN in picture form:

Saturday morning coffee time!

Love these girls!!

mama and papa Kraemer!! :)

dad with his daughters

and Mama Peg with her daughters :)

a MN sight that never gets old

Minneapolis skyline from the plane

LOVE my crazy Carlson family!!! :)

So yeah...bittersweet would be the perfect word to surmise a weekend such as this in the comforts of "home." Thankfully, a reunion awaits us in Heaven someday. And as we longingly anticipate that day, we keep moving forward with the path He has set before us, choosing obedience to His will.