An end of an era..

Last week, we packed up and headed to Northern Michigan, my most favorite place on this earth.  While we head north nearly every summer, this was my first summer where I had some anxiety, even dread, in heading up.  When my grandfather passed away in November, it forever changed our summers on Lake Charlevoix.  While we went every year for the gorgeous weather, the breathtaking scenery, amazing food and relaxation, what we really went for was the opportunity to spend weeks at a time with our family all together, meaning my wonderful grandparents, mother, siblings, and whatever cousins/extended family were Up North.  This year would be different.  Slightly scary.  The reality that my grandfather is no longer with us would become all that more evident as we are in our favorite place together without him.  Michigan means time with my grandparents, and this year would be different.

We all gathered together (without Barry, as he was sadly stuck in Afghanistan), and toasted and buried my grandfather, John Carroll Hoyt.  We had a short burial ceremony at the family plot in East Jordan, and ended with a cheers to my grandfather, while all taking pulls off a bottle of Jack Daniels, including a teeny bit for Hoyt.

I can’t say that there weren’t sad moments during our wonderful week in Northern Michigan, but, I left with a feeling of happiness and family.  I miss my grandfather every day.  I’m sad that he isn’t able to see the feisty young man his namesake, Hoyt, has become. I miss talking to him and hugging him and simply seeing him.  I’m sad that my grandmother is alone, and without the love of her life day in and day out.  But I’m thankful.  I was blessed to have been my grandfather’s granddaughter.  He has left his legacy, and I am so proud to be a part of it.

I leave you with a photo of Hoyt, after his toast to his great grandfather.  Obviously a true “Hoyt”, as he has already acquired a love for the JD.

asking for more….

Love,

Taylor