Heaven on Earth

The Robson Valley is without a doubt the most glorious place in the whole world. Believe me, I've been alot of places, and some were very beautiful. But there is just something about that valley, when I enter it at Tete Jaune Cache... my breath is taken away. The air is crisp and fresh, the mountains tall and magestically inviting. Then suddenly, the fast paced world seems only like a dream, and a peace settles on you like the warmth of a campfire on a fall evening. It could possibly be that because its home to me, it means so much. Or maybe its because you can drive for ten or fifteen minutes without passing another vehicle. Regardless, it feels about as close to heaven as you can get on this earth. I was in Canada for a week, but only in McBride a day and a half... not nearly enough. My cousin Ryan, Aunt Bette and I flew into Seattle the same day, rented a car, and made the grueling 13 hour drive north. We arrived home Monday evening just in time to enjoy a bon fire picnic with all the other family members that had made the trek for the funeral. Just having come from the South, we quickly changed from our shorts into our parkas as our leg hairs began to freeze and fall off. The fire was a welcome relief to our shivering forms.
Tuesday morning before the funeral, we decided to bask in the beauty while we could. Ryan had never been to McBride before, so we took him to a couple of our favorite places.

The funeral was really nice. We had lots of music, and then there was a sharing time, so I got to tell some of my funny stories about Gram and get everyone away from their tears for a few minutes. Believe me, there was alot of them. But, as far as funerals go... it was top notch. Them McBride people sure know how to do it. We had the burial the next day four hours south in Merrit. First there was the viewing in a small chapel where we could all meet together as a family and say goodbye to Grandma. The viewing was from twelve to one, but you can only look at a body in a casket for so long. So after a few minutes of sitting there looking at Gram, Jordan and I started poking around in the back rooms of the chapel to see what we could find. We found the herse and stretchers where they brought her in from, but next to the herse, there was another herse. It was from the .... well, a long time ago. Probably back from when Gram was a little girl. When the first cars were coming out. It was one of the neatest things I've ever seen! But it had a flat tire, so we decided we couldn't ask them to take Gram to the graveyard in it.

During the time we were there, I noticed something. Most of the tears were coming from the non-Adventist side of the family. Being able to look forward to heaven, and knowing we'll see her again is such a comforting thing! The hope we have is wonderful!

The sky was cloudless, making the burial much more enjoyable than rain would have. We sang some songs and shared some thoughts and stories. Most of us were in tears by the time the last prayer was said.

All of us cousins had to get together for a picture...

Gram's second husband had been a veteran, and she had requested to be burried next to him. I find it very fitting that she be burried here. She was a very honourable woman...

We said good bye then and parted, each family going in their different dirrections. In spite of the reason for the gathering, the week we spent in Canada was wonderful! I can't help but look forward to the next visit at Christmas, when we will gather with another group of family and friends in our tiny little house, and enjoy the blessings of being together. Won't it be wonderful when we can be in one place, all together, forever? It will be more beautiful than McBride! And this time, Grandma Olive will get to join in, singing on tune and shareing her poetry...

I think more than the peace of the valley, it is the joy of being with family that is so special. That is really what is so beautiful. Family is what God gave to show us what Heaven would be like. So yes, the valley is the most glorious place on earth. But it's because of the love that is there. It wouldn't be quite as beautiful if there was no one to share it with...