Semper Fi to the End

After a two month break of trying to figure out what to write, I figured it was time to just start writing and see what my hands had to say.

Returning home has been quite the adventure. Between classes, homework, work, and attempting to get a decent amount of sleep, my life has become a blur - a very busy but happy blur. In amongst the craziness, I've managed to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. I have also started up all my music again - french horn, piano, and handbells. My cheeks, fingers, and arms are all sore, but I'm loving being back in the music!

I thought I would be coming home to frozen tundra with icicles in the trees and snow all around, but I could not have been more wrong! The ground may still be brown and the trees aren't full of leaves, but the sun has been shining and the air has been so mild. In the last two months, I have seen no more than a handful of days with snow. The temperatures have actually been tolerable to the point where I only where hoodies outside. Now the spring weather is upon us with warm breezes, buds on the trees, and birds singing through the clear air. What a wonderful time of year!

A few weeks ago I had been looking forward to a little breather during my Spring Break. I had set up an opportunity with my cousin in South Dakota to knock out some of my needed in-class observation hours for my education classes. But more than anything I was so excited about being able to see my Grandpa again after over a year and a half. I was so lucky to be able to Skype with him while I was away in Australia, but I was thrilled at the thought of being able to see him in person again. Unfortunately, a week and a half before our planned visit to the Black Hills, my Grandfather lost his fight and passed away from complications with pneumonia.

My Grandfather was such a phenomenal man and inspiration to so many. He has been a blessing to countless lives and a Christian witness to numerous others. Throughout the years, my grandfather supported and encouraged each of his children and grandchildren in anything they decided to do. Music has been a constant in my life from birth because of my Grandpa. He encouraged my mother with her music and even bought her a piano when she was young. In the months before I was born, my Grandpa purchased a set of handbells just so my mom could have something to do at church. It's amazing how much those little things have influenced the outcome of my life. He will certainly be missed and remembered always. If you care to read his obituary or sign the guestbook, I've attached the link here. Click on "Archives" and locate "Erwin Kirschenmann." The weekend was filled with many emotions, but it was a spectacular celebration of my Grandpa's life. Music, pictures, stories, and countless memories enveloped the whole of the weekend. In addition to celebrating his life as a wonderful Father, Grandfather, and Papa Great, he was honored for his service as a Marine in WWII with a 21 Gun Salute at the burial grounds. What an experience and honor!

Though I may not have been able to see him one more time, I do have hope that I will see him again in heaven. I know he's in the place where he most wanted to be and with whom he most wanted to see again - my Grandma. What a spectacular life, what a phenomenal man! Love you and miss you, Grandpa!