Relay for Life 2009

This year, to honor my grandpa and to have a great excuse to get the Remsburg Cousins together, we decided to participate in the Relay for Life in Calhoun County. The relay took place on a Friday night, and due to rain, got moved inside unfortunately.

We met at Grandma's house around 3 p.m. and she knew we were coming, but didn't know my other cousins were coming. So, she was greatly surprised when they walked in the door! She was so happy that we were all together again. It was the first time at Grandma's house when we were together without Grandpa (other than the funeral).

The whole week last week was hard as I thought about Grandpa a lot. Just a lot of "little things" that reminded me of him, as well as Joey's approaching birthday. As we all sat around the living room, I kept thinking how much Grandpa would have loved this. He just loved sitting and visiting with us and watching the kids. He would have enjoyed every minute. But, like I told Grandma, he would have wanted us to enjoy it without him, too.

All and all, it was just a bittersweet weekend. Happy we're together. Sad he's not with us. Happy that we all made Grandma happy. Sad that Grandpa can't make Grandma happy anymore. Happy when Maddox saw a picture of "Papa Cecil" and screeched "Papa! Papa!". Sad that he can't do that in person. Happy that Joey told me that Papa Cecil was in heaven. Sad that Joey asked where he was when he walked in their house. Happy that we gave to a great cause. Sad that cancer takes so many lives. It was up and down for me.

The following morning, we met for a delicious brunch prepared by Grandma! It doesn't matter what meal that woman makes- she conquers it. She can cook like Michael Phelps can swim. Seriously, I wish there was a cooking Olympics. She'd make us millions. Anyway, we enjoyed brunch and then took off for Des Moines.

Like I said, it's been a tough couple of weeks for me. Then, on Sunday, the sermon was all about the meaning of the 23rd Psalm. The 23rd Psalm was Grandpa's favorite bible verse. I think God was telling me something on Sunday- just telling me that Grandpa was okay and that "Surely goodness and mercy followed him all the days of his life, and he is dwelling in the house of the Lord forever."

Here are some photos of the event!