Been awhile - but I'm back!

Well, we've been quite busy lately - but not in a good way.

I'm saddened to say that Steve's mom (my mom too!) passed away on Wed. March 18th. We immediately started plans to return to Peoria for her visitation and funeral. Steve had a bowling tournament the following Saturday in Laughlin, therefore, we planned the trip leaving from Las Vegas to Chicago to Peoria. After bowling, we went to bed and woke up at 2:00 a.m. to drive 1 1/2 hours to Vegas to catch a 6:20 flight. We arrived in Chicago and did the 3 1/2 hour drive to Peoria, where we were met by other family members and all stayed at the same hotel. Sunday night we met with other family members to discuss plans that were in place for the visitation and funeral. Monday a.m. we woke up and Steve and I did a walk through on a condo we are purchasing in Peoria as an investment. We both got ready and attended an overwhelming visitation. It was like a reunion of everyone we ever knew in Peoria (how touching!) I kept seeing faces thinking, "that person looks familiar" - - and it ends up it was someone from years back. There was a slide show put together by niece Colleen Kahl, beautiful flowers everywhere, pictures everywhere (I believe Janie, Steve's sister was a major contributor in this area). The line of good friends, relatives, and associates of Mrs. Dickerson did not stop for 4 hours. It was truly amazing. She was loved by many, that's for sure.

On Tuesday we all got up to attend her funeral. So very perfect for her and emotional. Even the deacon who presented the eulogy, was pausing to gain his composure. He, too was a good friend of Mrs. Dickerson's. Nieces did readings, and Dee (Steve's eldest sister) spoke last. It was a beautiful mass. A song by Venice (one of my favorite local groups) was played called "Family Tree". The first time I heard it, I thought it was so very fitting for the Dickerson family. They don't just have a tree - - they have a REDWOOD!!! Police escorts, Military Burial, and everything that Mrs. Dickerson would have loved. She deserved it - - ALL ! and will be missed. Tomorrow Steve and I take off on our annual Blues Cruise to Mexico. It's something we look forward to every year, however this year it's happening at a bad time. I think it will be good for Steve to be able to relax, it's been quite a stressful week. Well, wish this were happier, but it's my blog for this evening. Take care - - until next time!