Go rest high

 

With the temperatures climbing into the 60's last Saturday, we abandoned all thoughts of cleaning the house, as we had planned, grabbed a picnic lunch, and headed to destiny's unknown.  We ultimately ended up in the little town of Chamois, MO, visiting Jim's dad, Elmer.  It seemed fitting to spend some time with him on such a beautiful day, since last week marked the 17th anniversary of his passing. 

 

After all of these years, I still think of Elmer with a smile on my face.  He called me Nana and treated me like a daughter.  A mechanic by trade, he spent all of his spare time as a shade tree mechanic, bringing car motors back to life and banging dents out of old cars.  He was the worst money manager known to this universe, seeming to never have two nickels to rub together.  But somehow, he kept his family fed and a roof over their heads.  He was a great grandpa to my kids, letting them crawl all over his big belly as he laid on the cool concrete of the car port when the heat of summer was too much for him.  He also called them "little shit asses".  He was a good dad to Jim, as he shook his head in disbelief that his son would build his house in the middle of "all those tall trees".  We loved him and still get teary eyed when we reminesce about him.

 

Elmer is layed to rest with many other relatives in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Cemetery.  So, go rest high where the Eagles soar, Elmer.  We love you and miss you.

 

Most Pure Heart of Mary Cemetery, Chamois, MO, overlooking the little town and the river bluffs.

View from cemetery, overlooking farm land, railroad tracks, and the Missouri River.

As we walked among the graves of oh so many relatives, we heard the unmistakable trill of an Eagle.  Pure majesty.

 

 

 

 

The country road, Hwy. 100, back to Callaway County.  See ya Elmer!