Thanks Uncle Royce! We miss you!

Last week I took a road trip with my daddy to Santa Fe, NM, to his brother's memorial service. There was an inspiring military funeral at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, where his ashes were buried on top of his wife's grave. It is a beautiful cemetery. All those white crosses lined up so perfectly always makes my eyes tear up and my patriotism soar. Sobering.

My daddy's siblings that are still living, except for Uncle Royce's twin sister whose health did not allow her to make the trip from Oregon, were all together. Six of the twelve gathered, along with some of my cousins, some of Royce's in-laws, and dear friends. It was a gloriously, fun time of getting reacquainted. I have a fun bunch for a family. Crazy. I laughed till I almost peed my pants! No, really! I have stories to tell... My Aunt Helen assured me I was the NOW generation and it was up to me to carry on the family tales! I don't think she realizes what she just gave me permission to do! ;}

Daddy and I had a good time of talking during that long drive. It was nice. You get him cornered and he will tell tales of his childhood and you really learn alot about who he was then. I never get that chance. I'm glad I went.

Uncle Royce didn't want a funeral, so I think he is pleased we honored him by gathering together as a family should and visiting and spending time together reminiscing.

So thanks Uncle Royce for the family reunion. I just hope we don't wait until someone else ends their time on this earth to get together again...

Uncle Royce LOVED jalapeno peppers, so...
we all signed some and put them with him forever! That's the Brawley Bunch!


Oldest to Youngest... Clarence, Boyd, Helen, Pat, & Jerry

Me and cousin Kayla

Me and Aunt Aileen and cousin Donna

Me and handsome Daddy!

and Aunt Helen, Aunt Pat, and Me!

The whole bunch!