I am back from Slovakia, safe and sound with a little jet lag and a lot of lower back pain (I’ll explain that later.)
My trip was nice, even under the sad circumstances. It was so great to see my family members that I hadn’t seen in about 18 years. The last time many of us saw each other in person was when I was nine years old. It was great to see everyone as adults and just reconnect.
My grandmother’s funeral was really beautiful and a wonderful tribute to her life. Everyone constantly talked about her beautiful, bright smile. That’s how I remember her. To be honest with you all, I still don’t believe she’s actually gone. They had a viewing for family before the actual ceremony and I didn’t go. I want to remember her alive, radiant and happy (the way I’ve always known her.) Even as the closed casket was right in front of us at the funeral, I just didn’t believe she was in there. It’s like I know she’s gone, but I believe that she’s still with me. I don’t know if that makes sense.
There were SO many flowers at the funeral. Gorgeous flowers. And so many people who loved her. She really did touch a lot of lives—even some of her students were there (she was a professor). I’m just really happy I got to be there with my family at a time where it was important for all of us to come together.
Here are a few shots of various family members and I:
Behold my fashionable attire (obviously sarcastic):
Before I go for the night, thank you again to all of the awesome people who sent emails, messages and formspring comments with your condolences and support. It really helped me get through this tough time. Thanks for being patient while I took this time to be with family <3.
xoxo,
Veronika.
I'm glad you're back V! I am sorry you had to go on this trip for such tragic circumstances, but at least you got to see family members again. Slovakia looks beautiful, and it was great seeing some of the architecture. The photos are wonderful!
I am so sorry for your loss Veronika. It is never easy losing a love one that meant so much to you. Hugs…
Beautiful pictures of Slovakia! Architecture on that side of the world is just stunning!
I'm so sorry for your loss, but it's wonderful that you were able to make this trip to honor your grandmother, who will always be with you in spirit.
Slovakia is so unbelievably gorgeous! Jaw droppingly beautiful architecture.
I can assure you, I don't look pretty at the barn. 😉
I'm glad you're back safely and had a good time. I'm so sorry about your grandmother, I can't even imagine. My condolences to you and your family.
I am glad you are back, safe and sound. I am sorry for your loss but I am glad you got to go back to see your family. Slovakia never was on my list of countries to visit but it just looks absolutely beautiful. I LOVE the architecture, I can walk around and look at stuff like that for an entire day!
Sorry for your back pain 🙁 Trying using those Thermacare heat patches or get a nice massage.
xoxo
I'm very sorry for your loss. I think it was so amazing of you to go all that way for the funeral.
I am so sorry for your loss. Slovakia is such a beautiful country, and I am glad that you had the chance to reconnect with family members that you have not seen in such a long time.
glad you had a nice time under the circumstances… great pics too, thanks for sharing your trip V!
So glad you're back and got to re-connect and visit with your family. Your grandma was so beautiful and vibrant and clearly touched many people.
Thanks for sharing the images of the beautiful buildings, love the horseback riding shots!
I am so glad you were able to spend some time with your family, even though it was under very difficult circumstances.
Your horseback riding pictures and comments made me lol. I have horses and a certainly don't look too fashionable when I am with them. They are a lot of fun though!
I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with your family, even with it being under the circumstances as they were. Although, I am very curious about how seeing your mother went and would like to hear more about that if you want to share.
Just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures!
So sorry for your loss, but it's nice you were able to be with your family in a time like that.
The architecture there is beautiful. The blue and white building is just amazing. Also, the sculpture of you as a baby is really cool.
Very important to know that, I think many people confuse one thing with another, because back pain is very similar to kidney pain, but it is good to know this kind of experience where we report what are the differences, I have 6 months suffering from back pain and took hydrocodone on the recommendation of the doctor, because it is a painkiller that solves the problems of pain, and although in many places as Findrxonline, wikipedia, they say they are dangerous because of side effects is also good to indicate that it is these opioid which help improve the treatment of pain.
@tamara— things with my mom were OK…a bit awkward since her fiance was there and we don't speak but it was OK. I just stayed out of the drama with her when there was any.
@lily— I am pretty certain the pain was from horseback riding since it happened the next day. 🙂
i am happy that you were able to see your family after all these years, despite the circumstances 🙂 my favorite part of your post was the sculpture of you as a baby! what a great thing to have especially since it was made by a family member.
I've missed your blog!! In January 2009 I suddedenly lost my mom to cancer and my world was torn apart. I get what you say about your grandma being gone but still being with you. I feel the same way. Loved ones do not leave us they live in our hearts, dreams, memories, conversations…they are always here.
I'm so glad the trip went well. Funerals are always hard but being around family makes it so much better.
The buildings are beautiful, I would love to visit there one day.
Welcome back!
Hey V – was thinking of you this week and glad you had a safe trip and back. Hope you're doing as well as you can, sending along good thoughts for you and your family! xoxo
I think it's so beautiful that your uncle made sculptures of you. What a treasure 🙂