Our 30-hour drive was long but we finally arrived back in my hometown. My brother Tony purchased the home I grew up in from my Dad a few years ago. Ironically enough we all returned to that very home and now stayed under my little brother's roof.
The weather was ideal during our nearly 2-week stay and during that time we enjoyed things we might have taken for granted in the past, specifically each other. Some things in Safford had changed in the last six years since I had been here. The biggest change was this road in front of our house, when I was a kid it was a wash board dusty dirt road. The pavement was nice.
Many things transpired during our time together in Arizona. We had to face many difficult tasks but we made it through. From all of it there is one thing I am most grateful for, being able to get closer and actually meet my niece Zoe Jean and my Nephew Collin. Zoe was full of love and there was plenty going around to return to her. After our probate guardianship hearings Tony and Carmen was granted full custody of this bundle of joy and we all pampered her the best we knew how. This of course required many trips to the newly opened Wal-Mart Super Center.
Collin was introduced to his biological Father who proved to be a man of honor when all was said and done. Although he had not had any real contact with Collin they both seemed to instantly mesh and adapt to one another. I met Collin when he was only 2-weeks old and now he is a full grown boy with all the energy of any 5-year old. Collin will be appropriatly remaining with his father Richard Bencomo who also lives in Safford. This is a most ideal situation for these kids under these most extreme circumstances, they will continue to share in each others life.
We had a real blast with these two kids and the experience really made us miss our own two girls. One day we had to go through photos to prepare a collage for the funeral service. The kids assisted Kristy and Carmen in picking out the photos. Kristy and Carmen did a most wonderful job in their photo portrayal of Eve's life. I think all who looked upon it found peace.
I had a blast playing with Zoe and having her sport these Elvis specs. Tony and Carmen had an equal blast (or splash) bathing Zoe for the first time. We quickly discovered that she had an unusually strong fear of water.
Another change to my hometown was the addition of a 24-hours taco stand. I knew we had found a gem when none of the staff could speak fluent English. I ate the best green chile burito I had ever had at 1:00am. You'll notice that chihuahua dogs are allowed in the restaurant, pretty cool if you ask me.
Another place that we frequented many times was a place called the Water Depot. Unfortunately I did not get any photos but picture a store that only sells water. Only in the desert could you find such a place. One item they sold was flavored shaved ice, the best snow cone I have ever had.
Zoe proved to be a very good distraction for everyone during this most trying time. Her love was unconditional to all of us. We sure needed that love to.
The services went well and provided some peace for all of us. Our sister was honored as she should have been. I read her life story and her Bishop described the great plan of happiness and plan of hope. His discussion provided a reminder to all of us that death, like life, is a natural part of that great eternal promise. The funeral precession also brought great comfort, Kristy and I were at the end of the line. We could not see the beginning of the line as we descended down a hill that leads into a very long straight away into the city. Eve had touched so many lives in such positive ways. She is certainly missed.
Many people, friends and family, also gathered in this small town and came from all parts of the country. Jarred (pictured above) came from the Texas panhandle, he has been a close friend to not just me but all my siblings. It was so comforting to have him there with us.
Korri and Crystal flew from Maine and drove from Phoenix with our Uncle Chuck and his family. We decided to all get pictures together before we departed from one another. It was a good closure to our gathering.
We all gathered in remembrance of Eve Marie Batchelder. In some ways I think she may have been with us..... in our hearts and certainly in spirit.
For one of our last nights in town Carmen and Kristy decided to make a feast, the menu included jalapeno poppers, salsa and chips, steak, and shrimp. I cooked the shrimp and made a very bad mistake in offering my free time as assistance to Carmen and Kristy. I was asked to cut and gut the jalapenos. We had something like a hundred poppers and after I was done my left hand was on fire. The pain made me feel like a wimp but I couldn't stand it. I had to sleep with my hand in ice water. This was not a pretty site. But the feast was well worth it.
We shared one last breakfast together and all got to enjoy Carmen and Tony's first experience in using the bulb syringe to suck out Zoe's congested nasal passage. The photo tells all.
My brothers must be on steroids or something, you would never know that I was the oldest by our height. After the photos it was time for that long drive back. I did most of the driving Kristy, my Dad, and Donna.... well the photos below show what they did with their spare time.
Our gathering had come to an end but it is the rest of our life that we will have to carry Eve with us.... always in remembrance of those who have gone before us. I will certainly miss my sister..... with all of my heart.
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