As some of you know, the weekend plans to attend my nephew's baptism changed last week when my cousin Ryan passed away from a brain tumor. He'd outlived his 2-3 month prognosis and survived 18 months past the initial diagnosis. One of the many blessings throughout his journey. Being reunited with my extended, Upstate New York family was one of mine.
I flew to Syracuse on Wednesday night, arriving at my parents' house after midnight. The funeral was the next day, and the reception that followed took place at another cousin's restaurant, which was closed to the public for the night. As dusk fell, the sound system cranked, and Ryan's favorite band, Tragically Hip, blared through the speakers. Drinks flowed, lyrics were shouted, glasses were raised over and over, to Ryan. Perhaps not a traditional send-off, but one Ryan would have appreciated.
The next day, two of my sisters and I hung out, looking at old family photos and enjoying my nieces and nephews. On Saturday morning, my sister and her son, and my parents and I boarded a plane for New York City. The regularly scheduled weekend program kicked in, and we celebrated yet another sister's baby's baptism. (For those of you wondering, I am the oldest of five sisters. No brothers. Yep, estrogen and drama -- we have plenty of both in our family.)
The most excellent story line for fiction is playing out in one of my sister's real life. One day, I hope to write it. Now isn't the time, of course. Inner conflict is no laughing matter. But I took notes...just in case.
I arrived home at 1:30 Monday morning. Needless to say, I took a couple naps yesterday. Today, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, but it seems no matter how hard I pump my arms and legs, I feel like I'm trudging through water. Leaning on caffeine to carry me through.
I'll leave you with a pic from the baptism of my beautiful sisters:
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| Natasha (the christened baby's mama), Noelle, Nadine, Natalie, and me |
Have a wonderful day, all!
32 comments:
What a gorgeous picture. Having 3 sisters, I know what a joy it is for sisters to get together as adults. YOu're all so beautiful and look just alike! My current wip is the story of my sister and her baby with a brain tumor. He lived 18 months. This is the story I've wanted to tell for years and I'm thrilled that I finally got it down.
Wow, Karen, that must be a powerful experience, to write your sister's story. Best of luck with the WiP! There's nothing like sisters, right?
Again, I'm sorry for your loss. (but that send-off is how I would want mine to be. A party. :)
I see your parents had a thing for names that begin with 'N'. Y'all are gorgeous...it must have been hell on the boys (and your parents) back in the teen years.
Did you girls color coordinate you outfits?
Dude, did you cut your hair?!
Glad you're home. Another good night of rest tonight and you'll feel spunky tomorrow.
Wow, what a bunch of lovely ladies! And you all resemble so strongly! I can't imagine what it would've been like to have sisters. It's just me and my older brother. Unfathomable otherwise!
Sounds like your cousin had a wonderful memorial--that's how I'd like to be remembered, for sure.
Glad you're home! Maybe I'll see you this weekend??? (with DL?)
I'm sorry for your loss!
And what a beautiful picture!
Sorry for your loss, Nicole. But what a send-off for Ryan.
I'm glad you enjoyed the baptism too. :)
Hope you get rested soon. I drink way too much caffine to function too. lol.
So sorry to hear about your nephew. But surpreised that The Tragically Hip have an audience in the States. While they're Canada's 2nd most popular (besides Rush), they're hardly the best. They may be the most tenacious, though.
You're all beautiful! Love all your names, too. I bet you have some fun stories from growing up! How close in age are you all?
I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. :( What a terrific way to toast his life. Sending you warm thoughts!
I've been away so i haven't seen your new layout. I likey.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin, but what a wonderful way to celebrate his life with a baptism.
So sorry for your loss, the picture is fantastic though, you are all beautiful!!!
I love the hair!!!
Love the new lay-out!
So sorry to hear about your cousin. But he obviously had great taste in music! :)
And what a beautiful photo.
@Lola ~ My parents suffered by giving us all "N" names; when they were mad at one of us, they'd say, "Ni-Na-No...YOU!" Now they're empty nesters, and they have two Yorkies. The dogs names? Bailey and Basil. *sigh* It doesn't matter which name they call, both dogs come. --And yes, I chopped all my hair off!
@Summer ~ Believe me, there are days I wish I only had one brother! So glad you can come this weekend and meet up with DL and me!! Emailing you today to firm up plans!
@Nicole ~ Thanks so much!!
@Lindsay ~ Raising my mug to you, as I type! Here's to caffeine -- what would we do without it??
@Will ~ I'm now the Tragically Hip's newest fan!
@Laura ~ We're each a year, to a year and a half, apart in age from the closest in the line-up, except the youngest who was born six years after our parents were "done" having kids. There are thirteen years between me (the oldest) and her.
@Sarah ~ It was a special week, because we saluted one family member ending his religious journey on earth, as we celebrated another beginning his.
@Jen ~ Thanks!!!!!!
@Talli ~ Yes, the Tragically Hip provided a perfect soundtrack for the event. We all needed the high energy it provided :)
Wow! Look at your sisters! You're all just as gorgeous as each other. Take your time getting the rhythm of your hands and feet going again, and know that I'm thinking happy thoughts for you :o)
@Jessica ~ Thanks, sweetie! I'm working on my opening chapters this week. Can't wait to swap work!
You ladies are gorgeous!! :)
So sorry about Ryan. I'm glad the send off matched him and his style - that's so important.
I'm sorry for your loss and happy for the joy that followed.
hi miss nicole! im real sorry about ryan. im glad it was a party that he could have liked. wow all those sisters and no boys. i got 4 brothers and 1 sister. shes a pain. haha. that picture is sooo nice. i like that you could all be with each other. now you need to get going again and thats not so easy sometimes. i hope you get going real soon.
...hugs from lenny
What a beautiful family of girls!!!
So sorry for your loss but it sounds as if you gave him a great send-off.
A wonderful welcome to your new nephew!
I have something for you at my blog, it's no strings, so you won't need extra caffeine to deal with it. Stop by when you can:)
I'm sorry to hear about your loss but I'm glad you were given the opportunity to get together with family and celebrate his life.
Pump those arm and legs!! I'll be your cheerleader if you need one. :D
I am so sorry to hear about your cousin Ryan. But, like the others, am glad for your reunion with your sisters. You guys are so cute! =)
You all look gorgeous in that picture. The love you all have for each other is very evident in the radiance on your faces.
I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like your family gave Ryan a worthy send off.
Jai
So sorry about your cousin.
And you definitely look like sisters!
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are one of the MOST beautiful group of ladies/sisters I've ever seen.
Nicole, I'm so sorry for your loss. Seems everywhere I turn lately someone's life has been turned upside down by cancer. What a beautiful thing it would be if we could find a cure!
I'm glad you got a chance to reconnect with your family. I'm the youngest of 6 so I know what a joy it can be!
Such sad news, but such a beautiful family. I always wanted a sister, so be very grateful for each and every one of them. :)
I'm so glad there were plenty of good times during your trip. I'm so sorry about Ryan, but it sounds like your family honored him in a way that he would be proud of. Love the picture of you and your sisters! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!
(((HUGS)))
Tonya
look at you pretty things! I know you had a great time in spite of your loss... so sorry. <3 :o)
I'm sorry for your loss.
Soon you won't be trudging slowly. That was a lot to do.
You all look great in the pic.
What a gorgeous group of women! WOWZA!!
That sounds just like the sort or send-off I would enjoy (and want for myself). Glad to have you back safe and sound (and a little more preserved). :)
What a wonderful picture of you and your sisters! What beautiful people.
Funerals are sad, but they are also a kind of family reunion. So sorry for the loss, but glad you could all get together.
Ann
Five gorgeous daughters...your father had his hands full. And though I think you're younger than me, I'm still gonna ask if you know the Meday family, who have lived in Syracuse forever. Lisa is my dear friend (down here since college) but her family is still up there.
Look at you lovely blonde ladies!
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