Sayleen, yours was the most beautiful celebration I’ve ever attended. Your casket was covered in white daisies and wild flowers, it had a beautiful rustic wood finish with understated dark hardware adorning the sides. It was placed near the front and center at Easter church, in the same church your Brooke had her first communion. The semi-circular architecture helped us to cradle you in love. Upon the screens at the front of the church was a reflective picture of Cinderella’s castle at sunset. Flowers filled the space surrounding you. Your family and friends tightly filled every pew, people stood at the back of the sanctuary, with more spilling into the narthex, all the way back to the church’s entrance.

We stood for your family as Pastor Steve gently led them into the sanctuary. After we were seated, he stood at the baptismal font next to your casket and over and over he cupped his hand into the living water letting it flow from his palm and drip from the sleeve of his robe. He spoke of the promise of your baptism and the promise of eternal life in that baptism. 

Mark Mraz, who had played at your wedding, sat at the grand piano playing and singing and allowing your spirit to fill the air. He sang “In Christ Alone”, “Amazing Grace -  My Chains are Gone”, and “Rescue”.

Mark McLain spoke lovingly about how blessed he was to have been present at your birth. He painted a beautiful picture of the home in which you were brought home to, a home he shared with his wife, you and your mother. He said he struggled to find the words to express how special you were, but not to worry, his sentiments were perfect. He shared the beautiful words that his daughter Amy shared with him. They described your precious soul, both as a child and as the woman you became. 

Laura spoke of all the things she knew to be important to you, your amazing children, your husband Paul, your friends, and your community. She spoke about you truly being #BurnsvilleStrong, through and through. She spoke about how you made everything a little bit prettier and better, and how being around you made her want to be better too. She spoke of your silliness. She spoke of your love of football.

Your uncle Chuck read from Romans Chapter 8, and Pastor Steve shared with the congregation how your niece Katie had found Romans 8 underlined and highlighted in your study bible. Verse 2  reads “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death”.

Katie, your brand new niece, read scripture she chose from the book of John, and Pastor Steve shared how significant the verses were, that this was when Jesus preached intimately to his chosen few the night before his crucification. John 16 verse 20 “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

Pastor Steve shared all the wonderful things he had learned about your beautiful life. He spoke about your life long love affair with Paul, meeting him at church when you were just ten years old. He shared that at age fourteen you told your Mom that you would someday marry him. He spoke of the immense love you had for your family, and about the powerful way you showed up for people. He shared words that you had once written to me, when I faced a dark time in my life, you told me that the Lord holds our hearts in His hands. He spoke of your Joy while displaying a brightly colored photo of you with a wide smile tossing confetti into the air. 

With daisies to his right Pastor Steve laid his bible over your casket, and offered a prayer of Commendation, a farewell prayer of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who need faith no longer but see God face to face. 

Mark played Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” as your casket was turned and slowly pushed down the aisle in between all those who were blessed enough to call you theirs. The audible sound of grief filled the space, while you family walked closely behind you. 

We slowly followed your family out of the sanctuary, while the cold from the open doors of the church started to fill the narthex. There, standing shoulder to shoulder, lining the entryway, was a group of strong broad young men. Burnsville varsity football players, players from your favorite team, with a solemn look of mourning and of respect upon their faces. 

Their presence was a beautiful reflection of the impact you had on your community, and the level at which we mourn.

Sayleen, I’ll cling to your written words, that you love us and will always be available, and that the Lord holds our hearts in His hands. 

Godspeed Beautiful.