Hello everyone! I've received a number of questions which made me realize I need to close the loop for some of you! The Celebration of Life service was a blessing to our family. Our goals were to honor my mother's life (from the beginning to the end of her life), to honor her relationship with God, and to be with extended family and friends who loved her and who grieve with us.

Heavy rain that morning kept some of her Sunday School/church friends from being able to attend. However, several could come, as did friends from her wonderful neighborhood, a few of our friends from PA, Mom's caregiver and the realtor who helped sell the house. Dear people traveled from Virginia Beach VA, the Hopewell VA area, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Minnesota.  Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were invaluable to John (my husband), me, and Doug (my brother) and all displayed love for their grandmother by serving in various ways. The luncheon afterwards provided good fellowship and conversations. It's a gift when a sad time can even be encouraging through reconnection with family who live far apart. The church did a wonderful job of serving us and made the time easier with their attentiveness and ministry.

The sale of Mom's house is complete and the house emptied. The auction was successful and so worth the cost. The other possessions are being sold at the Crater Community Hospice Thrift Store in Midlothian, VA with clothing at a local Goodwill store in Midlothian, VA.

I'm now in the mode of alternating between resting, fulfilling the duties of executor of the will, and slowly resuming my life in PA, etc. And, of course, memories pop up often. Grief is not easy but it's a necessary part of life. I am grateful for all the evidences of God's mercy in this journey and how He carries us in the ups and downs of life.

Thank you for your consistent support this past year, your attendance at the service, and prayers of those who could not attend.  As stated in the service, Mom's repeated words while in the medical facilities to family who visited were "I love you, you are special, God cares for you, and thank you." She specifically wanted everyone at the service to know that God cares for them. She left a meaningful legacy with her life and with those last words. May we all bless others with such meaningful and significant messages not just at death but throughout our lives.