These pictures are from 2010, when Oom Frits came to Washington State in the U.S. for my father's funeral. It was a sad time, but having the family around meant so much to us - especially since they came from so far away! He also got to meet the newest de Bruyns - my brother's children.

I always loved hanging out with Oom Fritz. I could only speak a few words of Dutch, and he could only speak a few words of English. But he could tell and act out stories like nobody else. He was always kind and courteous with a mischievous grin on his face. I'll never forget him coming over and going shooting with my father and getting to act like John Wayne. I will miss him. Our family is praying for Tante Nel during this unbearably difficult time.

I last saw Oom Frits in October of 2012. What a fun visit it was! Oom Frits taught me how to cook gehaktballen and drove me around Den Haag and Rotterdam. We enjoyed eating all kinds of Dutch food, and watched the sun set over the beach. We were able to communicate even though he spoke little English, and I spoke very little Dutch! I will always remember Oom Frits as saying "Dooooei, Vaness!" I will miss you, Oom Frits!

The first picture is one of the first times I visited Holland. The other pictures of are the last trip my Dad took to Holland. He enjoyed eating pickled herring with Oom Frits and driving around in his "pimpmobile" convertible.