Walter E. Small (2.23.28 - 12.13.08)

My Mom's dad, Walt Small of Sedro Woolley, WA, passed away December 13th after over a month in ICU. He had gone in for a minor surgery that led to a death spiral after a mistake with his medication IV. We had always speculated that Grandpa would live to 100 because he was such a strong, healthy man, so this was a tragic shock to us all. Fortunately, Mom had flown out to be with Grandpa before his surgery, so she sat vigil in ICU 15 hours every day, sharing special times with him before he passed away. He assured Mom and Uncle Roger that he was ready to go, certain of his salvation and looking forward to seeing my Grandma again, who passed away three years ago. He died peacefully with Mom and Uncle Roger at his side.

Grandpa was the oldest of six children, and took on the financial responsibility for the family at a young age. Five of the siblings live near each other and are very close. After returning from serving in WWII, Grandpa married Joyce Thibadeaux and they made their home in Burlington, WA. Grandpa had a barber shop for 35 years and was a bowler and avid dancer. Grandma and Grandpa cut up the rug every week and really enjoyed sharing their hobbies together. Their retirement included a home on a lake in TX and a motor home in AZ. When Grandma got sick with scleraderma, Grandpa was very attentive to her and did his best to care for her. He was deeply affected by her loss, and we are all happy for him that he met Betty a year or so later. She was a dear friend to him. Grandpa didn't want a big funeral, so we had a small ceremony and reception in the middle of a freak snow storm that had debilitated much of WA travelling. The most poignant moment was when Taps was played and a flag was presented to Uncle Roger. One of Grandpa's cousins played live music for dancing, and my Mom's cousin Cathy and her sisters and daughters put out an amazing spread of food. Aunt Patty and my cousin Katie did a lovely job decorating and displaying photos. Uncle Roger and my Mom, then and now:

The memorial service was Friday, December 19th:

Aunt Anne and Uncle Bob ("the youngest brother":)

Aunt Ethel and Uncle Duane, Grandpa's best buddy

Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Rex with Josiah

Uncle Jon and Josiah

Mommy and Benji, taking a spin on the dance floor

Papa had his hands full trying to keep these rascals quiet!

Cousin Zac, Josiah, Betty, Benjamin, and cousin Katie

Looking dapper and cool :)

Looking cute and sweet :)

And the rest of my week in Washington, in reverse:

Jon arrived Thursday after completing his college finals. Wednesday was his 26th birthday!

Papa and Josiah played in the snow Wednesday afternoon before coming down with the flu that night (then Benji and I got it Friday for our red eye home!!! As if trying to travel the weekend before Christmas in the middle of snow storms on both coasts wasn't enough of a hassle...:)

Papa and Josiah arrived in WA Tuesday

and we went straight to the zoo!:

Grandma enjoyed reminiscing about going to the same zoo as a child.

and Benji and Josiah were especially impressed with the Carousel!

Sunday, Uncle Roger brought us to Chuckanut Manor for their Christmas Brunch and to meet Santa Clause (don't ask me where those bunny ears came from...:)

Benji kept his eyes on that scary man in red the whole time!!! :)

but Benji did enjoy meeting his second cousin Katie and the rest of the Smalls in WA!

We arrived Friday night, the 12th, and just missed seeing Grandpa before he passed away. :(