Just wanted to let you all know that we all made it home safe. Darin (always refered to as the SIL) drove that "big beast" of a motorhome all the way home for us. I know my dad would be so proud of him. I know it was very intemidating for him to drive something that large and knowing that my dad was the only one that drove it, but he did great.
Annie is home safe with us and adjusting to her new home that is not on wheels. She is beginning to eat and drink and "plump" back up. She adores laying with the girls and sleeps at the foot of our bed every nite. We are going to take her to get a hair cut and the vet for her shots this next week.
Many of you have asked about a funeral service. My parents wishes were spelled out for me very clearly and they do not want any kind of service. I so appreciate all the nice gestures of people that would've attended. However, they made it clear to me personally in years past and in a letter they left me that "you should go take the girls to Disney World instead." So in time we will do just that.
All of your words about my parents have been so generous and kind. We all appreciate it. My husband and I read them together and it does help. I will be taking one readers advice and turning there blog into a book for me and the girls to read someday. I think that will be a nice keep sake when they get older to remember things grandma talked about and stories she told. We always use to read it together when they traveled. They loved looking at the pictures grandma took.
Stephanie
AND THAT'S WORTH ANOTHER BIG #!!%**!!!!
3 hours ago
58 comments:
So glad to hear that your trip home went smooth and Darin (SIL) was able to get the rig back safely, yes those can be a challenge until you are used to driving something that big. So happy to hear Annie is fine and the girls are getting such enjoyment out of her company, I think this will be good for the three of them.I know this is a hard time for all of you, we are keeping you in our prayers, I hope the days ahead become easier. Sam & Donna.
As we would say to your mom..Welcome Home....
I know she would be thrilled about the book...she had been encouraging me to write my children's books..She had a love for reading..and for documenting.
I am so happy that Annie is doing so well..One of your mom's worries was that she would become a burden. She will love being spoiled..lol
With her youthful love of Disney..that sounds very appropriate!!
Welcome home..and thanks for keeping us informed. Hugs Cindy and Walker
I'm glad Annie has the girls and they have her. I'm sure your parents are smiling from heaven, knowing that you are all together.
Wonderful idea about the book!
We miss their postings and the comments they left on our post. The book idea is wonderful.
So glad to hear you made it home safe.
Thanks so much for keeping us all posted.
Stephanie and family,
Glad you are all home safe, thank you for keeping us posted. Annie will be a comfort to you all as you will be for her.
I love the book idea, what a wonderful way to keep those memories alive. I hope you will leave both blog sites open for us that never had a chance to meet your folks but loved visiting with them via the WEB.
Your Mom's other blog has been such an inspiration to so many of us and she had some wonderful words of wisdom.
I keep your family in my prayers daily and hope that you will stop by now and then with an update on how you all and Annie are doing.
God bless you all.
The book idea is wonderful. Thanks for the update.
So glad to hear Annie is adjusting and that you all made it home safe and sound. May you gain comfort and peace from the memories of your Mom and Dad.
We are all so thankful that you made it back home safe and sound. Glad SIL was able to drive the MH so well - good for him. Sounds like your mom had her plans in place and she will be watching the Grands enjoying Disney World.
Thanks again for taking the time to keep the blog friends of your parents updated - it has been greatly appreciated and your mom would be very pleased as well.
Stephanie,
Glad to hear that you all made it home. The book is a great idea your Mom and Dad will enjoy watching from heaven as you and the girls enjoy thier travels and words spoken from thier hearts. Again if I can be of any help to you or your family let me know.
Thanks also for taking time to update us all, I know your Mom would be really happy that you did.
Take care,
Pam
so glad to hear your home safe and sound...and that you were able to get the rig home safe and sound...thank you so much for the updates....I am so happy to hear dear little annie is a comfort to you all..especially the children...I think the idea of a book is wonderful...it will help you and the girls keep the happy times front and foremost..god bless you all...and please let us know every now and then how you are all doing...hugs and prayers..
We are so happy to hear that you arrived home safe and sound. Driving a big bus can be a challenge and a "white knuckle" experience.
What a gift it can be for a family to know what someone's last wishes are for a funeral/memorial service. Maybe this will be a great lesson to others who may not have let their family members know what they would prefer. It takes all the guess work out of having to make decisions in such a difficult time.
Enjoy your trip to Disney and celebrate the lives of two wonderful people. Our thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace go out to you and your family. Thank you so much for the update.
Appreciate the update Stephanie. Totally understand your Mom & Dad's last wishes. So happy to hear that Annie is adjusting well. Good job on the long Motor Home drive. The Book sounds like a nice idea for sure...........
Stephanie, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers for as long as you need them.
I'm glad you made it back home safely and I'm sure Annie will adjust quickly.
There has been an outpouring of love for your Mom and Dad in our blogging community and for good reason, they were wonderful people. It appears it runs in the family. ;)
Take care and if there is anything we can do please holler.
Keep in touch,
Connie
You and your family have been in my thoughts. Thank you for keeping us all up to date...the book idea is a fine idea and not only for the girls.
It's good you're back home and that all are adjusting.
Blessings to you all.
Emjay
Stephanie, thank you so much for letting us know you have all returned home safely, along with the motorhome.
So happy to hear that Annie is making the adjustment to her new home. The Grands will give her all the love she needs.
Please keep us posted from time to time on how you and the girls are doing.
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Welcome home!
May happy memories provide comfort to you all in the coming days. That trip to Disney World will be a special one, indeed. What a perfect way to memorialize these beautiful souls.
Thank you so much for your updates. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May you find peace in familiar surroundings. My thoughts continue to be with you and yours. Thankyou for the update.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Not a day goes by that Brenda or I do not think about your parents, and the book idea is a great way for the "Grands" to reconnect with Grandma and Papa as time goes by.
Your mom would love that idea.
Stephanie thanks so much for the update. So thankful that you all made it home safely. Driving a big MH is no easy job so glad Darin got the job done with no problems.
I am relieved to hear Annie is adjusting to her new home and that she is bonding with you guys. The girls are just what she needs and sleeping at the foot of your bed helps her feel safe and comfortable.
I think your parent's wishes are just perfect. They celebrated life each and every day of their lives and they should be remembered that way. A trip to Disney World is the perfect way to do that. It was a special place to them.
I like the book idea. Margie loved documented things...thus the blog and the scrapbooks. That is a perfect idea for the girls to have and keep as a reminder of the wonderful happy people their grandparents were.
We continue to keep you and your precious family in our prayers. I hope you will find comfort and peace in the following days knowing how special Bruce and Margie were to so many people. Keep us updated in the days ahead on how you all are doing...especially the grands and Annie.
Hugs,
Mike and Gerri Jones
Stephanie, thanks so much for taking the time to update the blog. It gives one lots to think about in our own situations. Love the idea of going to Disney and turning the blog into a book. Your post today is very uplifting - as are the blogger posts here, too! We are still remembering everyone in our thoughts and prayers. Take care!
Stephanie, we all appreciate your updates. Your parents wound their way into our hearts to an extent we probably didn't realize ourselves.
I wish the best for you, Darin, and the girls, and I'm especially concerned for you right now. You are the one who is probably carrying the most on her shoulders, and I hope you take especially good care of yourself.
Stephanie, thank you for updating the blog with the news that you made it home safely. Darin, congratulations on driving the motorhome all that way and in unhappy circumstances.
I like the idea of turning the blog into a book. Your mom had a special knack for writing and it would be sad to lose all her words.
We should have known that super-organized Margie would have made clear her ideas about what you should do when they passed away! I enjoyed reading about the two past trips they took to Disneyworld, and that would be a fitting tribute indeed to your parents.
My prayers are with all of you!
Stephanie and family,
I just recently started reading your Mom and Dad's blog. I started from the beginning and have not gotten up to date yet. I am so sorry for your loss. Your parents seemed like such good people. I wish I had gotten to meet them.
My husband and I live in Salem VA, where Margie's cousin lives. I wish I had known about the blog when they were here last year.
I am sure they watching you from heaven and are very proud of you.
I will always smile and think of them everytime I eat at McDonald's.
:)
Sincerely,
Pat
P.S. we also have a Schnauzer that we love dearly (and a Maltese). I am going to do what Margie suggested in one of her blogs; I am going to put a note on our car dash informing EMT workers that we have two dogs at an RV park in a motorhome when we travel in case of emergency.
That was such a good idea your mom had!
Pat
Dear Stephanie,
Please accept my sincerest condolences to you, your brother and your family.
Taking the time and writing on your Mother's blog has meant so much to so many.
Your kind words brings to light how thoughtful you are, caring for others at this most difficult time in your life.
May peace be with you all.
Sincerely, Cynthia P.
I had only just started reading Margie's blog as we are making plans to fulltime in the near future.
I am hoping you will be leaving Margie's blog online as there is a wealth of information and good advice.
Take care.
Maureen
Good morning Stephanie, Darin, Dennis and Grands!
Again, thanks for the updates. Glad to hear that SIL was able to drive the rig home with no problems...definitely not an easy thing if you have never done it. As others have said, I am sure your Dad was smiling down on him the whole way.
I think the book idea is great! And when I read your parents wishes about no service and the trip to Disney World I smiled. I could see your folks making that decision. Wishing you a splendid trip making many more memories for your girls and family.
So glad Annie is settling into her new home and family. I know she will bring you lots of joy and comfort.
Take care and if you need anything please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
My name is Jan and were from Tumwater and fellow RV'rs like your mom and dad. We met you, Darin and Dennis several times visiting your mom and dad at their home in Eagles Landing. I cannot be happier kwowing that little Annie is home safe with you and in the sourroundings she knows, bless her heart. Thank you for keeping all the bloggers updated and now that everything is done maybe you guys can take the time to grieve with each other or alone. I know that I will always have wonderful memories of your mom and dad forever. We shop at your store whenever were in the Oly area and if you wouldn't mind I would like to stop and look you up some time. We have met you several times while living at Eagles Landing the same time your mom and dad did. My heart goes out to all of you - stay safe, your mom and dad would be very proud of you guys.
I'm so glad to hear you are all together on your home turf now and hoping that everything will finally begin to settle down for you. I have to say I smiled at the trip to Disney. I have similar wishes.. not to put my family through the stuffiness and formality of a funeral, but for them to remember me in the places I loved and to celebrate my life with a going away party!
You are such a brave girl to share your grief with total strangers as you have. Please know that when the time comes you can be done with us if it is your choice or you can carry on with us if that is your choice. It is your life now, with your little darlings and your hubby and the rest of your family. Make your precious book and cherish it and its' memories forever!
Love,
Judy
I had known your Mom from Monday morning WW for over three years. She was such an inspiration and such a kick to talk with. It is so hard to believe she will not be back in November to share her latest adventures.
When you mom found out I had lost my husband quite suddenly last December her warmth surrounded me.
She will remain in my heart as a wonderful person I was priviledged to know. And will be thankful that she had crossed my path.
"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, ever if we're apart...I'll always be with you" Winnie The Pooh
Marilyn D.
Happy to hear you made it home safely and that Annie is adjusting well! I think a book of their blog would be a wonderful idea, and provide you and the family lasting memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Im so glad to hear you all made it home safe and sound, thank you for updating us.
Someday looking back, you will be able to laugh at SIL driving that big beast home? :)
I can't say enough about your Mom and how many she inspired. I hope you leave her blogs up. I actually followed the other one, and I know that it can still help so many people struggling with weight loss. It is such an inspiring blog.
Take care, thanks again for thinking about all of us in this time. We are all thinking about you and your family
Steph,
Glad to hear y'all made it back safe and that Annie is doin better. You know, your parents, they were truly special folks and having had the raising of you, I'm sure you are as well. Just a small thought for you, your parents will always be with you, whether you're a spiritual person or a scientific one, there's proof either way that nothing is ever truly gone. And of course, there's the part you see of them every day in the mirror, in your kids, when you see Annie or another memento. Each memory can be like a hug or a fireside visit, if you let it and judging by your parents, I'd say that's what they'd like to see, warm feelings at every thought of them.
Blessings
So glad to hear you all are home, safe and sound. Glad that Annie is adjusting to her new surroundings.
Your mother was such an inspiration with her weight loss journey on the other blog. I thought about her at my Weight Watchers class on Thursday morning and smiled to remember her coffee and English Muffins at McDonald's.
Thank you for keeping us posted and God bless your family.
Stephanie, thanks so much for taking the time to update us. Sure glad to see you made it home safely with that Winnie MH.
It was great to hear that Annie is o.k. and settling in and especially that she is getting so much love and attention from the 'Grands' - that's terrific news.
I understand completely on the 'no services' wishes of your Mom and Dad too - that's exactly how I feel.
Take care.
Hi Stephanie.
I'm glad to hear all is safe and sound.
Your parents obviously don't want to be mourned, they want to be remembered for their love of life and who loved them in return.
Good choice.
No one likes funerals anyway. Especially me.
Your mother had some great reviews of RV sites, I hope you decide to leave the blog up as it's an excellent resource for us heading out.
Margie had such great reviews, very detailed.
God bless and take care.
Karen
I imagine Bruce winking at his SIL knowing he conquered driving the beast.
May this blog's memiors offer the joys of knowing how proud your parents were to call you and your brother their children and the girls their "grands".
God's blessing and peace as your family begins to heal.
As I read that your Mom left explicit directions what to do regarding a funeral, etc and also told you how to get into her blog, it reminded me of one of her blogs some months ago.
She talked about being organized. If I recall right, she talked about several types of lists she keeps. I thought at the time, my what a lot of work to be that exacting. This was one woman who really was prepared for most anything! Gotta love her!
Stephanie - I am sure her making blog into a book and telling her and your Dad's story would be a blessing to many people. When (and I say WHEN not IF) you do it, share it with the world. It is too precious to not share.
I'm so glad that you managed to get the "beast" home!
Good to know that Annie is making herself and home and is with people who love her.
I've also have always said no service.
I'm keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so much for updating us, you are such a warmth of sunshine during such a dreary time.
When I first read the title of this blog, then seen whose blog it was...thought how appropriate it was. They are both home now too!
Those two certainly walked to the beat of a different drum, carving their way thru this big world. It seems only fitting that their wishes would be for celebration of their lives after they had "moved on." What delight they brought to us and what a precious family they have gifted the world with. Thank you for including all of us during this time. Blessings.
Thanks for updating us out here in Blogland! I for one totally understand your parents wishes for how to handle issues when it was their time to go. Both my husband and I feel the same. Its a very loving thing to do to leave letters and such behind for our children and make it a little easier for them (in a difficult situation). Love the fact also that Margie left a note in the dash regarding having Annie back in the RV. I plan on doing that as well now. We have a little sign on our 5th wheel to let peeps know about our pets in the RV...in case something happens to us when we are both away from our home on wheels--had never thought of having a note in the dash of our truck. Love to you all...including Annie! ~Tricia/nwlambear
I can't find my copy of Margie's "oatmeal with blueberries"!!!!!! Could someone please send it to me? I know...I hate having to ask, but I seems to be "losing it"...losing things, forgetting things...~Tricia/NWlambear
welcome home!!..glad you arrived safely in the 'big beast'..congrats to Darin for doing such a great job!..and you are right, your Dad would have been proud of him!..take care of each other as you try and heal from this terrible loss..we think of you often..hugs to all of you!..
Sue and Doug and "Tucker"...
So good to hear updates from you - I've been praying for Margie's hurting family. My dad passed away in a sudden accident also (drowning, w/ a friend) and I understand the hurt of a sudden death and how life can change in an instant. ((( hugs )))
Thinking & praying for you.
D
PS It just struck me when you mentioned driving the RV back - my dad was away w/ his friend hunting and had my parents RV at the time - and we also had to drive it back and sort through things.
Margie--after a few days of seeing no updates to your blog on my sidebar, I began to think something might be wrong, so I clicked over to your blog to get the link to your RV blog...when I read how your parents had been so tragically killed I was shocked. I am so sorry for you all. It is a shame...at least they got to go together...hard for you all to lose them both at the same time, but at least neither of them had to experience the grief of losing the other. My prayers are with you.
Stephanie,
I feel very self-conscious doing this, writing you that is. I do not know you and I do not know your parents. I am a resident of SLO County and learned one week ago of your tragic loss.
My name is Laura.
I have cried many tears for you, for your parents, and for those who love you and your parents. I know that you are facing enormous grief, sadness, and loss. I know it, but I cannot imagine it. I cry when I try.
I am someone who is deeply sensitive; i feel connected to a great deal. I feel like I am a part of something so much more important than myself, my own family, my loved ones, my local community; part of my participation involves empathy and compassion.
Music and art in general make my life better. A few times in the past week I have heard Sade's song "It's Only Love That Gets You Through." Each time I hear it I think of "the survivors" of this unfortunate tragedy involving your parents.
It is my hope that in reading the lyrics (found below) you will catch a glimpse of a time in the future when your loss and your sadness are more bearable. I hope that you will feel strong(er); I hope that you will be at ease. And I hope that you will continue to feel connected to your folks by love.
I wish you well,
Laura
Girl you are rich even with nothing. And you know tenderness comes from pain. It's amazing how you love. And love is kind and love can give. And get no gain.
[1] - It's down a rugged road you've come. Though you had every reason, you didn't come undone. Somehow you made it to the other side. You didn't suffer in vain.
You forgive those who have trespassed against you. And you know tenderness comes from pain. It's amazing how you love. And love is kind and love can give. And love needs no gain.
[Repeat 1]
You didn't suffer in vain. You know it's only love that gets you through. It's only love, it's only love. It's only love that gets you through ...
I had to smile when you said they wanted you to take your kids to Disney World instead of having a service. Your parents were truly thoughtful and selfless people.
Thank you kindly for the update. A book of this blog is a wonderful idea.
Hi Stephanie:
So glad to hear that you made it home safely. We honored and celebrated the lives of your folks in our worship yesterday, and many people shared of their love, deep respect, and the many beautiful ways your folks touched their lives.
If you need anything in the days ahead, please know the church and I are here and would love to be of support.
Blessings,
Denise & Tumwater UMC
I stumbled upon your parent's blog this summer. It was nice to see them living their dream, and looking so healthy and active. They were always amazing people to me, so kind and generous yet real. I am so sorry for this terrible tragedy, and will be praying for your family.
Amie
I just want you to know we are still thinking of your parents and praying for you all.
I'm just getting caught up on the blogs I follow. Thank you so much for letting us know about the death of your parents and providing updates on Annie. I never met Margie but I followed her blog as a wannabe full-time RVer. My prayers are with you and your family. So sad that I will miss meeting up with them down the road in this life. Words cannot express. Sending love, strength and hugs your way. They will be remembered fondly.
Stephanie,
Unfortunately, I never met your parents. I am a night nurse that lives on Franklin St. I came home that Saturday morning, at 7:45am, to utter chaos. My heart immediately hurt for the victims, as well as their loved ones. I will never forget the tragic loss of life and the loved ones that will forever grieve.I commend your bravery and willingness to update your parents blog. As I said, I did not know them before but, after reading the blog, I realize the special people they were. I pray for you, your children, and your brother.You were blessed to have such special parents. My heart hurts for you and your family. We, on Franklin St. will never forget. Our hearts are with you-stay strong.
To the Family and Friends of Margie & Bruce we offer our sincere condolences. We have been without Internet Service for two weeks and have just learned of their untimely, unnecessary passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
B.W. & Carol Gentry
http://bwcarolhappy-trails.blogspot.com/
I can't stop thinking about this. It still brings tears to my eyes, and I keep thinking about how life can end so suddenly and how important it is to live with no regrets. I was praising God to see your mom's facebook page indicating they had given their hearts to Jesus. It warmed my heart to imagine seeing them again in heaven. I pray that God is in all of your hearts, and that he is bringing peace to you... a peace that goes beyond all human understanding.
I know some say "how could a God of love allow such things to happen" but I think, how are we ever going to know what love is unless we have opportunities to show love? When bad things happen God will use others to love them even more through the tragedy. I continue to pray for all of you, especially "the Grands."
Amie
I've been reading your parents' blog since my girls and I hit the road for a fairly long spell in 2008. Still, when I saw the news in our local paper (I live just down the road from Pismo), I didn't put it together... Thank you for updating your parents' blog. I know how very proud they were of their children. Your bravery in the face of this tragedy once again proves them right.
I come here every few days just to see if there is any new comments....can't say much more than that..I miss Margie's daily comments...hope all is well with your family, Stephanie..we think of you often.
I miss Margie's blog posts and comments for me on my blog. I hope your trip to Disney World with the girls is fabulous Stephanie. I like the idea of turning this blog into a keepsake book for your family. Take care. Peace to you and your family.
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