Now Home

The memorial service 

went beautifully.

Many, many folks came out to honor Tony,

and grieve with my sister.

The graveside service

was sweet...

poignant.

I stayed for a few days,

to help my sister start packing up her home.

When we first arrived, at her home

she looked out the car window 

and commented on this tree

-situated right in front of their home-

that Tony had pruned and enjoyed for 

20 years...

Of course,

he won't ever prune it again..

 and it will need to be 

left behind...

Along with the rose bushes 

they planted along the front

when they first moved in...

20 years ago...

and the fruit trees 

they planted in the back yard

this past spring...

but the memories...

they will stay with us.

I can't explain or understand 

why Tony is no longer with us...

but God says:

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In everything give thanks

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

We remember Tony

with thankful hearts...

and look forward

to seeing him again someday...

in heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for bringing Tony into our lives,

especially my sister's life.

He was a special blessing.

We miss...

his voice,

his laugh,

his cooking,

and his beautiful smile

and look forward to rejoicing evermore 

with him in heaven

someday.

And for all of you reading my blog,

thank you for your kind words and prayers.

Life keeps rolling on.