This month has been a whirlwind with Julie’s hospital then hospice stay and passing and then Hannah and Kent’s wedding. This weekend, we all came together to celebrate Julie’s life and begin the grieving process together.
Julie’s closest friends and family met up and stayed at the Circle S ranch just outside of Lawrence. It was the perfect place, peaceful, with many outdoor and indoor places to gather, and beautifully decorated private rooms on three floors. Each room has a different theme. 
Our room had a giant bed, a couch, table and chairs, jacuzzi tub, two sided fireplace in the bathroom. 
Friday evening we sat around the bonfire while the kids got acquainted and ran around together. 
Later, Kent, Dave, Nancy and I sat in the hot tub.
Saturday morning it was raining when I got up. Dave and I and Chris sat outside on rocking chairs and watched the rain and sang a little to Dave’s guitar. It was lovely.
My friends Alexis and Jeff came in time for the lovely brunch prepared for us and I sat and visited with them for a couple of hours. It meant a lot that they came.
I grabbed a quick nap then the service started out in the renovated barn at 4. It was filled to spill in out with Julie’s family and friends. We sang, a Pastor from Julie’s church spoke, and Scott, Shari, Ian and Peggy also spoke. They talked of Julie’s faith, her love for her family, her love of walking, and her constant smile and positive outlook, even after her fall.
The party went on late into the evening, just as Julie would have liked it.
I haven’t faced the fact that Julie is gone yet. I will include a few more pics from the weekend then blog more about Julie, the Grandma, Mom, Sister, and Mom-in-law.
dianegclark 