Bye bye, Boompa

Two weeks ago Boompa died at the age of 65. He courageously battled the progression of ALS for over 3 years. He laughed and smiled, joked and kissed through his final days. Mommy prayed you'd get a chance to meet each other. He hugged you & welcomed you home in February and was able to celebrate your 2nd birthday at his home over 4 months later.

At the visitation and funeral, I told you Boompa went "bye bye". I'm glad I have pictures of you with him to share, and I look forward to sharing many wonderful stories. As I stood outside the church holding you after his funeral service, I watched Boompa's casket get loaded into the hearse. I couldn't begin to grasp how big a loss he will be from our lives. At the same moment, you raised your little hand, waved at the coffin, and said "bye, boompa".

God has a plan, no question. Our family is changed and blessed in ways we never could've imagined. I watch you with your daddy and realize you are forming the same bond I was blessed to have with mine. You also will probably always be daddy's little grill, Blenny. And, believe me, that's a good thing.

Upper Silver Lake

Last week was the 35th annual Brookhouse/Looman trip to Upper Silver Lake. Of course it was Blen's first trip, but she handled it like a seasoned pro. She loved the tube ride and always wanted to ride in the boat for other rides. She started jumping off the dive dock (holding dad's hand) and was happier in the water than out. She also is quite a little fisherwoman. She caught a bunch of bluegill and even contributed to the Friday fish fry with a couple keepers.
All four of us sleeping in one room was not a highlight as Blen has a habit of grunting and groaning about an hour before she gets up and then every 15 minutes or so until waking. By Thursday morning this started at before 5 AM and daddy and Blen were fishing by 6:20. i think she's already looking forward to next year.