I've never seen a close-up of a sweet pea flower before. So delicate!! Lovely!! Is a Scottish bluebell the same thing as a harebell?? I've grown harebells before. Looks pretty similar. Such a delicate blue. Mmmm. I've had the same thing happen with my Elle. Love the first picture!! Carol

You all bring up very good points, and I know you're right. For me, it was more about being there for the ones they do love. Their grandmother lost her son. Their aunt lost her brother. Both of these women have been good to them and showered them with love and support all their lives. There is nothing they wanted that grandma did not provide, and I mean everything from new cars to houses and property to paying for their college education. For his daughter, college education included med school. I could never turn my back on someone who loves me so, much less make her cry and plead because her wishes mean nothing to me. People attend the funeral services of those they never met in order to support the bereaved they care about, so I didn't see the grandmother's request too much to ask. Dances, I know you're right also in much of what you say, but I doubt who did not attend mattered to her. She wanted her grandchildren with her. When I walked in the door with the program books, she took one glance and completely lost it. She melted into her daughter's arms despite having already seen the completed version on the computer. Times like this, we want our loved ones close. Her problem the other day was she feared she would have so little support. You're really right about it not being my pain to bear. What she was going through is what bothered me so much, but I shouldn't have taken it to heart. I'm delighted to report all the grandchildren were in attendance. The daughter arrived half an hour late, but she was there and grandma was happy. My niece was the pillar of strength for her mom. She took care of everything, as well as hosting everyone at her house for dinner after the service. All is well that ends well. Thanks for your responses and condolences. It's not a one size fits all kind of situation, so I know you're right that the children are entitled to their feelings, too.

Oddly enough, the power went out in my area last night as well. Was a nasty wet and kind of blustery day and evening so likely some tree close by lost a branch or fell and took out the lines. Not uncommon in my heavily wooded area :-) But also enjoy the benfits of a dedicated generator, which switched itself on in a matter of a few seconds. Power stayed off most of the night - woke me up when it came back on in the very early morning as all the appliances beep with the switch from generator to regular power. And I had left the hall light on...........

"I am grateful to God for sending us His only begotten Son." that's my priority too. I'm also grateful that my sister lives close to me and I'll be spending a few hours tomorrow with her, her dh and their youngest son. no big dinner planned - just sandwiches, snacks and pie (pie from Village Inn). no one has to cook, do a lot of work or clean up. We can eat and visit... then visit and have pie! She emailed me today that her Christmas stuff was out (of storage area) but not up yet... I emailed back that if it isn't 'up' it would be so much easier to put it all away again! and not to put things 'up' for me. but maybe her nativity set will be 'up' tomorrow.