Yesterday morning Madison and I left for Iowa about 7am. Aunt Lydia's funeral started at 2pm so we drove straight to Wellman for the viewing and changed our clothes there. It was so nice to see some extended family that we haven't seen in a long time. The picture in the top left is of the 5 first cousins that were there...from Iowa, Indiana, Kansas and Colorado! We picked up right where we left off and shared plenty of laughter amidst some tears. Walking up to the funeral home, Madison said she couldn't wait to see if she was finally taller than her great aunts... and wondered if they would have a heel on their shoe to give them the edge. Aunt Neva and Aunt Fern were good sports and took their shoes off at the luncheon so Madison could measure up. We decided that Madison has both of them now... at least by a hair or two. Boy, was she delighted. My dad's side of the family is not known for their tall statures!
*
The funeral itself was very nice. There were probably 40 people there... that was quite a bit more than what I was expecting. When you are 98 and have been in a nursing home for 10-15 years, you don't have a lot of friends to come any more. Actually we were delighted with how many came. I loved it when these little old ladies held my hand and told me a story about what they remembered about Aunt Lydia. Mostly from the sewing circle at church... and one woman even remembered the family's butcher shop where she worked. (She was pretty ancient herself). Penny read scripture and prayed. I gave a tribute; basically memories from my growing up years. My brother-in-law, Jeff,gave the devotional and did a great job. He put on his comforting pastor voice and it worked. Amy, Jenna, Mikayla, Haley and Madison sang Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace version. Jenna played the guitar and they were awesome! (Some fast practicing once Madison arrived). These were the great-great neices... who also knew Aunt Lydia... although sadly her spry and healthy years aren't part of their memories. It was a simple and yet beautiful service. One of the quilts that she made draped the top of the casket. My mom had a little angel figurine sitting inside the lid of the casket. It was a momento for my grandma to keep. Her wings will glow at night. My mom thought of every thing. She arranged for a wheelchair van for Grandma which even took her out to the cemetary. Mom, you did such a great job. My work sent a beautiful planter with flowers and a beautiful card that made me cry. They are so thoughtful and I know their words come from the heart as Christian sisters. My own grandma has been on my heart and mind so much these past few days. This was her last sibling to pass away and surely the sister she was the closest too. Thank you all very much for your prayers this week.
*
We helped a little with the moving process for Amy & Jeff's family last night and Madison and I stayed overnight there. We got to go and tour their new house. It is BEAUTIFUL!! It's neat to see all of their plans on paper, actually coming together in real life. They've done a great job and I'm happy for them. They hope to actually spend their first night there some time next week. Their house is sold and the closing is July 11 so they have some time.
*
We didn't get to stay even 24 hours but it was definitely worth the trip! We brought home a surprise though... Jenna came back with us. It's going to work out afterall for her to go to camp next week with Madison. We are tickled to have her here! They are like 2 peas in a pod and will love spending the next 10 days together! Thank you Amy & Jeff for sharing her with us!
No comments:
Post a Comment