Yesterday we attended a wine/raclette/music festival in Sierre, Switzerland. Our grandson, Mike, was there with his wife, Tania, and our great-grandson, Ethan. Today we are Celebrating Ethan’s 2nd birthday. Here they are … and here’s the fife & drum corps:
Mike, Tania & Ethan
Fife & drum corps
After the festival we had the privilege of visiting with Chantal. She is our son-in-law, André‘s cousin. She lived with us for about 10 months in CA back in the ‘70’s when she was about 17. Such fun to catch up with her again! Being with family & friends is what this trip to Switzerland is all about!
Chantal with us
I went to church this morning with Denise (André’s mom). It was a beautiful morning.
Sierre’s Catholic ChurchThat round building with the bell tower is right across the street from where Grandmama Denise & De/André are living. There is their apartment building. And this display of water fountain and flowers is right behind/beside their apartment building:
It’s such a pretty day here!
It’s rare to see these buildings in disrepair… even the ones built in the 1700’s! But sometimes they do show their age. More typically, the buildings are in pristine condition… like at this winery. De helped Bob select the perfect bottle to share at today’s party. Yes!
Santé, my friends. Thanks for visiting JanBeek. See you tomorrow.
We say, “Pinch me” when we see something too beautiful or experience something too wonderful to be real. Yesterday I needed you to pinch me more than once.
Here are Lisa’s sky & flowersAnd this is Montana sunset on way homeIt was Madison Valley Medical Center’s Home Tour
Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh, PAHere I am… ready to tour this beautiful exhibit. The theme is Alice in Wonderland Amazing displays!
Gorgeous displays Time for a rest. Lots of walking!Some glass art still on display from the Chuhuly (sp?) exhibit Thanks to my niece, Jodie, for her gracious hospitality!Many fascinating flowers!Wish you could have seen these in person with us!
Hope your day was beautiful and you had (have) that kind of helpful mother (I did!)And I am blessed with this very loving helpful son and…… these two very sweet, helpful, loving daughters.
This week my dear friend, Mona Durham, age 96, died peacefully with her family gathered round.
Mona’s family and the leadership team of our church decorated the sanctuary and fellowship hall beautifully for her memorial service today.
Her ashes, in a container under the purple cloth, were sent into the hands of God as Jesus and St. Peter must surely have welcomed her into heaven. She was a True Believer.
The floral arrangements were spectacular.
There was a beautiful display of photos depicting Mona with many of her beloved family. She had four children and seven grandchildren. Four of the grandkids shared stories about how her life impacted theirs in such loving, meaningful, lasting ways.
I took notes (as is my habit) as I listened to their stories. Here are my notes:
Mona Durham’s was a 96 year life well lived. She lived heartily loving and laughing; Tough, fair, sarcastic, always available, Humble, reliable, stable, and always hospitable.
Mona wasn’t delicate or sheltered. The last of three daughters, she was the son… The son her dad never had! How he loved her! Oh how she loved him, others, and this Madison Valley!
She was a woman of grit and grace, loyal and hardworking. Volunteered with church, History museum, blood draws, Elections, Women’s Club & Cattle Women’s Association. Her later years were less busy, but never less purposeful.
She gave her life to quietly helping others. Her strength, honesty, love, and strong values Were the glue that held the family together. Also the fact that she always had fresh cookies!
Mona’s strength was grounded and rooted. Her faith was deep, honest and clear. She carried struggles quietly with endurance. Her life will endure in each of us who loved her.
Following the service, there was a time of fellowship with beautiful trays of meats and cheeses (prepared by Deemo’s in Ennis).
Deemo’s also prepared this beautiful, tasty tray of veggies.
The family extended a special thank you to the caregivers at Home Park and Madison Valley Manor for the dignity, kindness, and care they showed Ramona in her final years. In lieu of flowers, they asked that donations be made to Madison Valley Historical Museum (where Mona was a faithful, treasured volunteer) or Bear Creek Schoolhouse (where she attended 1st to 4th grade and then later volunteered to help with fundraisers to maintain it – and organized pinochle parties every March). She loved playing cards, doing 500 – 1000 piece puzzles, and keeping in touch always with her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by us all!
Mona’s smile was infectious!
Mona’s granddaughter, Tori, summed up what most of her family would agree was an important take-away:
“I see so clearly that her impact isn’t simple or singular, it’s generational. What she has given us goes far beyond memories, she’s given us a way of living.”
“She never once told me how to live, but she sure as hell has shown me!”
Your shared love inspires us to pass it on. Thank you, Mona.
