It's been a long weekend.

I woke up at 4 a.m. yesterday to make the long drive up to Ohio for my grandma's funeral.



The service itself was very nice. My aunt managed to incorporate all the grandchildren and great grandchildren into the service. I had to do one of the readings, and I managed to not mess up, even though I was nervous I wouldn't be able to hold it together.

I was actually OK during most of the service, until the very end. There are just certain songs they play at most funerals that make me lose it. And I fell apart pretty badly at the end.

As we were walking out of the church, I think that's just when everything sort of hit me about how final it all is.

We got through the part at the cemetery and the luncheon afterward, and then my dad took me and my cousin up to see my grandma's house one last time.



It might not look like much now. You can tell the years have definitely taken their toll, but I have lots of memories of being a little kid here and exploring in my grandma's yard or shooting hoops in her driveway when we'd visit at Thanksgiving or Easter.



Though it's been a long time since I've been to the house, it's sort of weird knowing that it's up for sale and it won't be there anymore.

I guess it's just another chapter in life that's closing.

This weekend was mentally and physically exhausting. As soon as I got home, I passed out for an epic three-hour nap. I'm glad I have the day off work tomorrow to relax.

And on another note, thank you to all the veterans who served, including my Dad. He showed me his old military ID this morning before we left Ohio.



He's 18 in that picture and still has a full head of hair. He also still rocks that mustache to this day.