Our Final Goodbyes

As difficult as it was to be away from my family this weekend, and especially today, there are so many things I am thankful for today.

1. This fabulous guy who took off work Friday and today so that I wouldn't have to be alone. Rubbed my back when needed, helped me with the everyday tasks I can't do, and when I just needed to cry, he held me and let me cry. I'm so fortunate he is my husband. 

2. The fact that at the last minute I threw this dressy shirt into my suitcase three weeks ago. I didn't ever plan on wearing it, but turns out it was perfect! One final tribute to your great grandma - a brand new shirt and lipstick I wore just for her funeral today. I hope somewhere she was smiling. 

3. Paka who called me right before the service and put the phone on the podium so that I could hear the entire funeral service, as well as the closing prayer at the cemetery. And for Paka doing a beautiful job officiating the service. 

4. Aunt Aubrey and Uncle Kye who paid to tribute to Great Grandma, and made me apart by reading an excerpt from my post, "One Strong Lady," at her funeral. 

5. Uncle Kye - a fabulous pallbearer. 

6. Your father who, after the funeral, forced me back outside for the first time in at least a week, knowing it would lift my spirits. 

7. Your father who then braved a craft store to get me more yarn to keep my mind busy. 

8. And then surprised me with some frozen yogurt!

9. Aunt Aubrey for keeping me updated and sending me great pics of her in Great Grandma's clothes, jewelry, and even her babushka!

10. Our family in general. I love how close we all are and how much support we give one other - in the good times and in the bad. 

Today was a difficult day for all of us, but as this journey has taught me, even in the bad moments, I have realized we are still very blessed and have much to be thankful for. Great Grandma was a wonderful woman we will all miss. But she lived a wonderful life and passed with no pain or suffering. And even better, she is now in a much better place, reunited with family she has been seperated from for years. What a wonderful day when we will all be reunited again. That's the beauty of Jesus Christ; He gives us a hope much greater than anything here on this earth to hold on to.