Saying Goodbye

Let's reach back to mid-June to start our game of catch-up. We already had plans to go to UT / ID / FL during the month of July. Because we received the unfortunate news of my grandmother's passing, we extended our trip by a couple of weeks and headed up to Utah on June 22nd, in order to attend my grandmother's funeral on the 23rd. Funerals can be so bittersweet. I was very sad to say goodbye. I have nothing but the best of memories of my Grandma Savage. She was a wonderful person and I miss her dearly. I was really happy for her though because her body and mind have been failing her the last few years. I know she is now in a better place. The great thing about funerals, though, is the opportunity to get together with family you haven't seen for a long time. I saw many of my cousins and an uncle I hadn't seen in a very long time.

Her funeral service was very nice, even a little humorous at parts. It was also very musical, which is fitting for a woman whose life was full of music and singing. Adie now has me sing her the song "Doodlely Doo" daily (that song is probably not recognized by anyone not acquainted with the Savage family, but it's a family favorite). I am so grateful we live close enough that Brett, the kids and I were all able to make it out to pay our final respects to a woman who deserves all the respect in the world.

All the cousins who were present (except me who was nursing Chase, grrr!)

I don't know why this picture is so small, but here's my dad enjoying a moment catching up with family.

Adie was really curious about death, the afterlife, the funeral, etc. She still talks about how Grandma Savage died and is in heaven and how she was a good woman. It's been a great opportunity to talk with her more about what we believe. When we were told we could take a flower from the casket as a memento, she thought that was way too cool and kept going back for more. I think we finally got a handle on the situation after she had helped herself to about 4 flowers.

I know my Grandpa Savage really misses his wife. They were the cutest couple and in the last few years, I think they grew even closer to one another as my grandpa had a larger role to play in taking care of my grandma. What a great example of love and service they have been to me.