When we received Diane Ladwig's message that her father (our Uncle Glen) was probably going to die soon, we hurriedly planned a trip to Phoenix to see him and say good-bye. We traveled on Friday with Grandma and Grandpa Ellis and Uncle Lee and Aunt Chaille. That's Glen's two surviving brothers and their wives.
Bob, Mary, Chaille, Lee, Dean
We spent the first night in Kanab. Thanks to Julie for helping us rent a great townhouse.
Dean and Lee
On Saturday, when we got to Phoenix, Braden (who lives in Phoenix now) helped us drive out to Glen and Charlotte's home in Queen Creek. It was wonderful to see Uncle Glen and tell him how much we love him. He was very tired and weak, but he knew all of us and still had his great sense of humor. It was painful for him to speak so he didn't talk a lot, but otherwise he was not in pain and rested comfortably.
Glen, Chaille, Lee
This is Glen saying good-bye to his "twin" Erika. (that's what he would call her) They are both born on August 14th.
Glen and Bob
Glen and Dean
Chaille, Mary, Lee, Bob, Charlotte
Charlotte was very attentive to Glen's care, but still wonderfully hospitable to us. Mark Ellis and his son Jake were there and fixed us an awesome dinner of Chili and homemade bread.
Glen and Lee
Dean, Bob, Charlotte
Braden, Glen, Lee
Chaille and Charlotte
Glen, Bob, Braden
Every 15 minutes or so, Glen wanted to sit up. After just a moment he would lie back down.
Glen, Lee, and Bob
It was sweet to see how tender these old guys could be with their little brother.
We spent that night in Chandler at the Marriott. Thanks again to Amy for helping us. Lee and Chaille got to spend the night with their daughter Chay and her family in Gilbert.
Glen, Bob, Lee
In the morning, we went back to visit with Glen one last time.
Glen and Bob
We got to go to church with Braden and then rejoined the others at Chay and Cal's house.
Mary, Chay, Kristen, Chaille
Just before heading home, we got to visit with Chay and Cal and Kristen and Matt. They fed us and sent us on our way with food for the road. Thanks guys.
Cal and Dean
One more night on the road in St. George and then we got back to Sandy on Monday afternoon.
Bob, Mary, Chaille, Lee, Dean, Erika
These are the weary but grateful travelers.
Uncle Glen died tonight (11/1/10).
We love you Uncle Glen
9 comments:
I knew a Diane Ladwig in Maryland when I was a little girl. Maybe the same one? I remember she had boys around my age and a younger daughter. I think they were military.
Those were such sweet photos. I really loved the one of the brothers holding hands. Such a reminder of what is most important in life.
That was really sweet to see the brothers together! Thanks for taking the pictures and sharing them!
Thanks for posting the pictures. Let us know next time you guys are in AZ. Maybe we can come meet you in Phoenix or something. We're only about an hour and 15 minutes away.
Beautiful pictures Erika. Had me in tears a little, but I'm so glad to see Glen one more time too. You are wonderful!
love you!
Our love and prayers to you all - beautiful, touching photos.
Thanks for sharing, Dean, and for making the long trip. Wish we all could have seen Glen one last time. A bit sad today...
These are precious pics, Erika, and I'm so glad you were able to take "the boys" to see their little brother one last time :). Thanks!
Thanks for posting these pics of my Grandpa. I think it was a wonderful reunion today with Grandma Ellis. It is so much sweeter when the righteous and prepared die who have loved and served their God their whole life like my wonderful Grandpa has. He wore out his life in His service.
-Joe Ellis
You guys are so good to help the travelers and share the pictures. I love you.
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