Where In the World Are James, Maija, Elin and Anikka?: Linc’s graduation, Dad’s Memorial - Ignacio CO

Memorial Day weekend we traveled to Ignacio on Friday afternoon. It also happened to be the last day of school. We took the girls out a few hours early so that we could be in Ignacio for dinner. We had two things to celebrate that weekend: Lincoln’s High School Graduation and my Dad’s celebration of life. (Dad passed away on December 13, 2024.)

We arrived Friday evening to a pizza party at the house we rent in Ignacio. Everyone on the Gillespie side of my family was there except for my nephew Sylis. 20 of us!! We also had Kijanna’s boyfriend Hunter there.

It was a loud, chaotic, and fun.

Saturday May 24th Lincoln graduated from Ignacio HS. It was nice to all be there to celebrate him.

That evening, after the graduation party, we gathered to take my Dads ashes to the mountains.

We chose a spot near Lemon Dam where we used to camp as a family. My Dad loved everything about nature.

This is now Pappy’s tree. We buried some of his ashes under the tree, those who wanted spread his ashes around the meadow and Erek put the rest into the river.

Kijanna read a poem she had written in 5th grade about Pappy, Pentti read a couple of bible verses and Oscar played a recording of Dad singing a song we used to sing a lot as kids

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright). Sun-shiny day

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone. All of the bad feelings have disappeared. Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for. It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright). Sun-shiny day

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skiesLook straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright). Sun-shiny day.

It was very quiet, peaceful and almost reverent. So hard, yet so beautiful. As we were driving out, there was the most amazing light on Lemon Lake.

Driving home there was a beautiful sunset, like Dad was saying hello.

Sunday, May 25th we had a Celebration of Life to for my Dad

We honored Dad by wearing his shirts

And NRA caps

We had 20 from just our immediate family

And about 65 people over all including 40 cousins from both sides of the family

Jouste cousins

Gillespie cousins

The VFW did military honors

Then Pentti told a little about Dads life and read the Cowboy code, which is how my Dad tried to live his life. Dad did not want a funeral and this memorial service turned out to be perfect.. I’m sure Dad would have been happy to see how many people loved him and were there to support us. Family is most important… that is one of the greatest lessons he taught us.

We had lunch and time for talking . It was great to see so many people that I love.

It was an emotional day, but turned out perfectly. It was a great tribute to my Dad.

In the evening some of my cousins came to Mom’s house so we were able to talk more. The kids also entertained us with a talent show. My girls had the best time with all of their Gillespie cousins.