I went back home last weekend to West Virginia. Yes, it is ‘almost heaven’. Do you see the wall of trees behind the welcome sign? That is what I saw for days of driving. Nothing but hills and trees and sky. My home state. Country roads. They took me home. I belonged there. John Denver knew.
It has been a long time since I drove back home. I’m so glad I did. The rolling hills are dramatic. Don’t take your eyes off the road, because every twisting turn in the crooked roads has a breathtaking view.
Vermont comes close to this grandeur. It is breathtaking. Just me and the hills of West Virginia. The memories were a warm blanket. Almost heaven.
I have vivid memories of driving on old Rt 60 in our family station wagon. There were houses built on ‘near cliffs’, as the hills were so steep. We worried going uphill, as the old car barely hit 30 MPH. If you like the roller coaster, you would love this drive. No one in the family liked the drive. I was the one who got car sick.
When the interstate was built, it felt like going from horse and buggy to driving a car. The most interesting part is seeing how on earth they engineered putting roads straight through hills. Imagine a huge hill, cut through the middle. Here is our approach to one:
There is another ‘almost heaven’ to my visit.
My brother died in December of 2019, and we hoped for a spring funeral. Covid hit, and the funeral was on hold for what seemed like forever. At last, all my sisters gathered this past weekend.
Our brother’s funeral was a gift, a chance to be together. We laughed and cried. We told old stories and looked at pictures. It was the spark of a flint and a cozy blanket, all together. We were sisters. It felt so good.
The funeral was at Trinity Episcopal Church where we had all grown up. I was married in that church, and my sisters were, too. Nothing had changed. The stairs were exactly the same, and that made me smile. Walking up and down brought memories from childhood to adulthood. Almost heaven.
I was a reader during the service. Somehow my words were the best things to say.
1 John 3:1-2
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.
I practiced the reading many times. It felt right. I knew when I read to the congregation, that for my brother it wasn’t ‘almost’, it was heaven.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
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This is beautiful Jennie. I have been to West Virginia a couple of times and it is so gorgeous. Going home and spending time with your family is a gift even if it was to say that final good-bye to your brother. You are right, it is heaven for him. Blessings for you and your sisters.
Thank you, Carla. I think you hit the nail on the head. 🥰
The only things I know about West Virginia are Harper’s Ferry, and the Potomac River. That comes from extensive reading on your Civil War.
Being back for the funeral was a bittersweet moment, I’m sure, but it seems that there was much joy to be had too.
Best wishes, Pete.
You know more than many do. Yes, it was joyous. The funeral brought much happiness and many good memories. Best to you, Pete.
A lovely post Jennie, West Virginia looks lovely and you managed to have a happy time with your sisters.
Thank you, FR. It was wonderful!
I’m am so happy you were able to return home and to celebrate your brother’s life with those you love – beautiful
Thank you, Beth! 💕
This is lovely, Jennie. I’m glad you were able to finally send your brother off in proper style. I can almost hear you reading those words.
I’ve made many drives through WV, before and after the Interstate highways were build. It’s a beautiful state, and it holds some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met.
Thank you, Dan. Yes, it really is a beautiful place. The funeral was lovely, and spending time with my sisters was the best. I’m glad you liked the words I read. 🙂 Folks in WV are wonderful!!
I’ve been through W. Virginia a few times, MANY years ago. It was so very beautiful. I don’t know about that going home feeling except for the final one. I’ve never had a feeling of “home” on earth with all the moving around. I have a sign that says “home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.” I’ve made home wherever I’m at and family is close at hand. Three sisters has to be fun. I’d bet each of you are unique. I’m sorry to hear about losing your brother and not getting to process it together then. Hugs.
That going home feeling might be because I never moved until I went off to college. You’re right, home really isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. Three sisters is certainly fun. Do you have more siblings than Suzy Q? It’s interesting that losing our brother resulted in what felt like a reunion. Hugs to you, Marlene.
We have 2 younger brothers, only one of which we occasionally hear from. The other cut off the family 22 years ago and we have no idea where he is. Sad beyond words.
That is so very sad, Marlene! Thank goodness you occasionally hear from one brother. Women are far more likely to keep in touch. Honestly, I thinks it’s the wives who pester their husbands to call home. My husband was never great at calling his siblings. Our son doesn’t call often. It’s a guy thing.
You are correct, Jennie. Mostly it is a guy thing. My son is an anomaly. He calls every. single. day! Just has to hear my voice. Texting isn’t enough. He knows way to many people who have horrible mothers, including his (ex) wife. They do for her mother everyday and she never says thank you. She’s horrible to her own only child. I don’t understand. I am so blessed and my kids think they are too.
You are blessed, Marlene. That is wonderful. I don’t understand horrible mothers either. It takes a great mom to raise a great son. 💕
I am so very sorry for your loss. Keenly felt, keenly remembered.
Thank you, Pam. 🥰
Such a beautiful post Jennie even with the sadness behind it.
Thank you, Kim. 💕
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Thank you, Michael!
:-)) xx
I am sorry for your loss, Jennie! Wow, reading about West Virginia i instantely got this song in my mind. Wonderful you had a nice time with your sisters, even if the occasion was sad. Best wishes, and have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
Thank you so much, Michael. There was much beauty and love in spite of a sad event.
At least that makes up for something. xx
Yes, indeed! 🙂
we drive through W. Virginia on our travels pretty much anywhere south (I live in Pittsburgh). It is pretty country. Glad you were able to gather with your family, even if it was for a sad reason.
I’m glad you get to enjoy the beauty of WV, too. Thank you, Lori.
Beautiful, Jennie. Sending lots of love and hugs to you all… 💞
Thank you so much, Bette! 🥰
I love that song so much and it is perfect for someone from West Virginia. What a gorgeous drive and a lovely celebration of your brother’s life with your sisters. Time with family is always precious.
It’s one of my favorite songs, too. And, it had been a long time since I made the gorgeous drive. Wow! Thank you for your kindness, Darlene. ❤️
I am elated for you, Jennie. I love your almost heaven adventure. So beautiful!! I imagine your brother was with all of you, injoying every moment and happy to see his siblings together.
Hugz
Thank you, Ren! 😍
I’m.so sorry for your loss, Jennie, but glad he had a wonderful send off, and that you got to go back home 💜
Thanks, Ritu! There was happiness, closure, sisters, and a beautiful (long!) drive. 🥰
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“Almost heaven”? – oh, no! But the countryside looks wonderful, just waiting to be explored. The US has so much open space, whereas in the UK everywhere has felt the hand of man. And I am so sorry to hear about your brother, Jennie. I lost my dear brother MBE (who could also be outrageously awkward) some years ago and still half expect to hear him on the ‘phone, asking if I fancy getting together for a pint or two. Those you love never really leave you.
Thank you, Mike. The US has vast stretches of beautiful land. People think New
York
York and
los
Angela’s
Holy Moly, I was typing way too fast! People think big cities like New York are America, but that’s not true. We have everything from stunning National Parks to quaint towns to vast cornfields, and regular cities. We don’t have the ancient structures you do, but we have great diversity in our land. Of course the UK has felt the hand of man. It is small, and has been inhabited forever.
Thanks for your kind words. Losing a sibling is tough, as you know. I still hear his laugh and remember so many little things. Yes, it never leaves you. 🥰
Glad you could finally celebrate your brother’s life, Jennie. We’ve postponed my mother-in-law’s Celebration of Life for the same reason. I did not know that you came from such a big family. I’m sure you had your share of mixed emotions coming home.
Thank you, Pete. I think there must be many folks like us who had to postpone funerals. There were six kids in our family. The bookends are now gone. Thank goodness for sisters! Yes, the emotions are mixed and wonderful. I think they’ll be with me for a long time.
Aw, Jennie, this is so bittersweet. I’m so sorry that you’ve lost your brother. Maybe you mentioned it in an earlier blog post and I forgot it, but it is still so sad. I’m glad you and your sisters were finally able to get together. BTW, I love John Denver’s singing, and wish he were still around to enrich our world with his music. Lovely post, even if it brought tears.
Thanks so much, Anneli! It was good to finally bring closure, and to be with my sisters. Sad, yet also happy. I love John Denver, too! His song was perfect for the trip. I do wish he was still around.
Yes, me too.
I’m very sorry about your family’s loss, Jennie; good that you were finally able to get together, though!
Thank you, Becky. 🥰
First, condolences, Jennie. And, yes, as odd as it seems, funeral services are sad but uplifting when you rejoin family members you haven’t seen for awhile, especially when it involves returning to your roots. As for WV, our daughter spent her first year of college at Elkins College, in Elkins, of course. It is a beautiful state, ‘almost heaven’.
Thank you, Steve. You are spot on; it was sad but very uplifting. I hadn’t been in my beautiful old church in decades, making it even more special. And, the reunion of sisters was the best! We drove past the exit for Elkins College!! WV really is ‘almost heaven’.
On a side note, are you and Robbie considering collaborating on your children’s book?
Oh Jennie–I am so sorry about your loss. I am thankful you are surrounded by the love of family. What stunning beauty.
Thank you, Michele! Family love and gorgeous countryside was a win-win.
Beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome!
A very lovely post. That little 8 second video reminded me of the roads to a place I went to last year ( for a religious purpose )
I’m so glad!
What a beautiful and touching post, Jennie. I’ve been to West Virginia several times and it’s a beautiful state. And how lovely that you finally were able to gather to remember your brother’s life together. The passage you read is beautiful. My condolences for your loss. Hugs. ❤
Thank you so much, Diana! 🥰
Virginia is really very beautiful
Sending love from India ❣️
D😇💫
Thank you.
I am sorry about the loss of your brother. I know how difficult losing a sibling is. My grandchildren just went through the tip of West Virginia as they drove from here to Mississippi(the back way.) They are gloating that they have been to one state I have never been to. It looks lovely, by the way.
Thank you for your kind words, Elizabeth. Yes, it is a beautiful state. I’m glad your grandchildren drove through.
On the way they also got to see Tennessee which they also liked.
Hooray!
How I would love the opportunity to visit your beautiful country!
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Beautiful view.
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Hey Jennie! I’m from India. Just reading this you took me on an imaginary trip to this wonderland. I felt it. I’m sorry for your loss. Please stay strong and enjoy your life.
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Aw Jennie, you brought me to tears. This is a beautiful tribute to your brother, and a lovely post all around. Hugs on the wing.
Awww… thank you, Teagan. ❤️
Great post !! I love
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Hi Jennie, your pictures are lovely, green and lush. I am so glad to hear you finally managed to have your brother’s funeral and could met with your sisters and reminisce.
Thank you, Robbie. It was good for all those reasons. 🥰
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Certainly beautiful sceneries.
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Wow so nice🥰💚
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Lovely.
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My condolences to your family.
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Jennie.
Thank you, Deborah. 💕
I have always loved that song and we never made it to West Virginia but it has featured in so many movies over the years that it feels familiar… a sad return but wonderful that you and your sisters could come together with a tribute to your brother…♥
Thank you, Sally. Did you ever make it to Vermont? I don’t think so, but it is similar in geography. So much open land and beauty. It was wonderful to be together at the funeral. Honestly, it was uplifting. And what a perfect song! 🙂
David may have done as he was traveling in most states for work.. but hopefully one day we will make it back and finish the grand tour..♥
😀
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This is really a lovely post dear! 🌼
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yes it looks like heaven
That looks stunning. All these beautiful mountains surrounding your way. Hope you enjoyed the ride.
And sorry for you loss, but the good this thing is you’re all together now, he’ll be so happy to see you all. ❣
Thank you, Ritish.
Wow! Lovely reminiscences…. ☺️
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Nice post
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I’m so sorry about your brother, and happy you could finally celebrate his life. Time I think is not the straight line we think of it as so I’m sure he didn’t mind the wait!
As soon as I read the title–“Almost Heaven” I started on the West Virginia song. Lovely.
Thank you, Jacqui! A roller coaster of highs and lows (mostly highs), and of a beautiful drive. I love the song, too.