As I was just about ready to go on my trip, I realized I could fly from Dallas. I messaged my Uncle Matt who lives there and told him I would like to stop by on the way. He then invited me to Thanksgiving, and I changed my plans to go to Texas a week earlier, and get my visa sent to Dallas, the only thing I was waiting for. So I went to Texas.
My first stop was in Austin. A good friend of mine, Caitlin Hartung, lives there. I stayed the night at her house. I played Kinect with her and her husband, Jeff. The next day Katy showed me some stuff for working out, since shes an awesome personal trainer. Next stop was Dallas.
Dallas was a great time. I always enjoy my time with Uncle Matt, Aunt Nanette, Owen, Ashley, and everyone else I end up visiting there. I feel very welcome at their house, and there is always a great balance of relaxing and having other fun stuff to do. Thanksgiving was great. We had brunch at the Marriott. Visiting with everyone was great as well.
The game changing event for this part of my trip, was the death of my Memaw. Memaw was in a nursing home for several years, and 4.5 of those were in the nursing home in Grapevine, Texas. While I was in Brazil the last time, I was uncertain whether I would see her again. I did get to see her several times since then. I arrived Tuesday, and visited Memaw Wednesday. This was the last time she was responsive to us. We visited with her and she had a diet coke, even though she had trouble swallowing it. Nanette has always been great at conversing with Memaw. She asked her if she was comfortable and she shook her head no, she asked her if she could point to where it her, she once again shook her head no. She told her I was there, and Memaw looked at me, I am glad she knew who I was. Uncle Matt got a nurse over to her, and within a few days, Memaw passed away.
I am very grateful that I was able to see her one last time. First, because she knew I was there and that I visited her. Second, I could see how she was suffering and be happy for her that she is now in a much better place. It is really remarkable that after all these years, she died when I was in town. It was a real unexpected blessing during a hard time.
The next stop was New Bronsfels for the funeral. Memaw's funeral went very well. I was a Paul Bearer with my cousins and Uncles. I was able to see all my cousins except one and catch up with everyone.
I stayed in New Bronsfels an extra day. We went to Wassel fest. All the stores on Main street make some and everyone tastes it and vote on the best one. There are also lots of christmas performances like singing and stuff like that. I also spent some time doing some final things before my Brazil trip. My visa arrived, and my tickets! On Saturday I headed off to my next trip to Boston. I didnt leave Texas without Aunt Cathy making sure I was stuffed with Texas Barbeque and stocked up and ready to go. She was a life saver.
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