Let me just start by saying I come from an incredible line of people. It's humbling, inspiring, and wonderful. Because we were in Utah over Memorial Day, I was able to meet my parents, a couple of siblings, Aunts, Uncles, and some cousins at the cemetery to honor my Poelman grandparents. It was such a spontaneous and uplifting reunion that I must document it here. 
Hendrick and Ella May Poelman are my grandparents...the parents of my father. They have six incredible children...five of them still living. 
Here are the four boys. My dad Stuart, Lloyd, Keith, and Ron. They are mid-song here. It was so great to have this impromptu concert of old beloved Scottish songs. 
And how fitting it was when this bag piper came by with those beautiful pipes humming.
My cousin and uncle lovingly tended to the grass around the headstones.
Here is the whole group that arrived. Amazing. Like I said, this was an impromptu gathering. My Aunt and Uncle from Arizona/Idaho were in town and had told my Aunts siblings that they were going to the cemetery at a certain time. They must have each called their kids to let them know also. I was at the hospital with Max and my Dad called. We knew nothing was going to happen very soon there, so Paul stayed with Max and I just ran down right then. I was shocked and thrilled to see all the people there. It is truly a testament to my grandparents.
As I was driving away, I spotted my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Lloyd still lingering at the graveside. Their son (my cousin) Stephen is buried right there beside his grandparents. He died tragically when he was 20 and I was in High School. I will never forget that time in my life. My Aunt and Uncle have been through a lot and have always emerged better than before. I admire their strength and humility.
Now for some fun...
My Grandmother used to sing this song, "Little Pig Joe." Here are three of my Uncles, my Aunt Marva, and my cousin Melanie singing it. I didn't capture the whole thing, but you'll get the idea. I love this song and wish I could whistle like that so that I could sing it. I will make sure one of my kids learns so that they can pass it down also.
Hendrick and Ella May Poelman are my grandparents...the parents of my father. They have six incredible children...five of them still living. 
Here are the four boys. My dad Stuart, Lloyd, Keith, and Ron. They are mid-song here. It was so great to have this impromptu concert of old beloved Scottish songs. 
And how fitting it was when this bag piper came by with those beautiful pipes humming.
My cousin and uncle lovingly tended to the grass around the headstones.
Here is the whole group that arrived. Amazing. Like I said, this was an impromptu gathering. My Aunt and Uncle from Arizona/Idaho were in town and had told my Aunts siblings that they were going to the cemetery at a certain time. They must have each called their kids to let them know also. I was at the hospital with Max and my Dad called. We knew nothing was going to happen very soon there, so Paul stayed with Max and I just ran down right then. I was shocked and thrilled to see all the people there. It is truly a testament to my grandparents.
As I was driving away, I spotted my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Lloyd still lingering at the graveside. Their son (my cousin) Stephen is buried right there beside his grandparents. He died tragically when he was 20 and I was in High School. I will never forget that time in my life. My Aunt and Uncle have been through a lot and have always emerged better than before. I admire their strength and humility.Now for some fun...
My Grandmother used to sing this song, "Little Pig Joe." Here are three of my Uncles, my Aunt Marva, and my cousin Melanie singing it. I didn't capture the whole thing, but you'll get the idea. I love this song and wish I could whistle like that so that I could sing it. I will make sure one of my kids learns so that they can pass it down also.
