So, I haven't written anything here for quite awhile. After my mom came to visit us in BC, we went back home for the Larson-Wagner family reunion. At first, we were only going to go for the weekend, but something was telling me to get home sooner.

We listened, and thank God we did. My grandpa, Don Larson, died on August 12th... the day we were originally slated to arrive (that's him and I on the right, when I was little). Instead, I got a chance to see him, give him a hug, and talk and fill out one of the pages of the memory book my mom gave us last Christmas. Something told me to pick my favorite first instead of going in order, so I got to listen to stories (and in true Grandma and Grandpa style, bickering) about how they met, their first date, and their wedding.

My grandpa was a great guy - always had a joke and a smile for anyone he met. It's probably from him that I picked up the habit of being overly friendly with strangers. When we were little he used to give us money for candy from the 7-11 down the street, and sang songs to us (this was one of his favorites; we played it at his funeral, much to my grandma's dismay).

The whole process, from his death to days after the funeral, was surreal. It would catch me at odd moments when looking through pictures or seeing cards at my Grandma's house... he was really gone. No more silly jokes or songs, no more "Howdy, howdy, howdy!" when we walked in the door.

I miss him terribly.

I've been putting off writing here, since I knew this was the thing I had to talk about. But life goes on, as it always does, and so much has happened. Matt accepted a job in Calgary, which means we'll be moving back in mid-September (and probably staying with relatives until we can find a decent apartment). He defended his thesis (successfully!) yesterday, and today is our second wedding anniversary. My defence is next week. Keeping so busy has allowed me to put off my grief, bottling it up inside. But it's something I can't put off forever, and writing here helps me keep his memory alive.

I love you, Grandpa.