On our last day in Chicago, we found out that Kearsley's grandfather (Grandpa) was gravely ill and that his last hours of life were here. Grandpa and Kearsley's grandmother, Gram, live in New York, so Kearsley decided to take Maya and head there instead of coming back to the Bay Area. Sadly, he died on May 31st in the morning as we were waiting for our flight at the Chicago airport. Lulu and Pop (Pop is Grandpa's son) were already there as were Grandpa's other two children. We were so happy to be there to support everyone during this very difficult time. Maya helped lighten people's spirits and was a great sport on this unexpected trip.
Maya with Gram.
Maya with Gram.
On one of the days we were there, we took a quick trip from Cortland to Grandpa's favorite place, nearby Skaneateles Lake, where there is a little family owned cottage under a cliff's edge. The water was high and actually coming up onto the dock, but that didn't deter Maya from getting her feet wet and throwing rocks into the water with Lulu.
Maya cheers up Pop.
Maya and her cousin (once removed), Cody, who also came to support Gram and the family.
Betsy, Kearsley, Pop, Lulu, Cody and Maya sit together with Gram.
We left after a few days, but we knew we would be back soon for a memorial on July 1st. We love Grandpa and we love Gram.
