October 2 was a day I had been planning and excited about for over 6 weeks. Chris and I were supposed to be closing on our house. All of that changed when I had to fly to California for Mamaw's funeral. My sweet husband had to sign all of the mortgage paperwork for himself and me. I am so thankful for all he did to make sure everything went off without a hitch. We are officially homeowners!
That Wednesday morning, I headed out to Los Angeles. I met Mom and Dad at the LAX airport and Michelle picked us up. We drove over to Cora's to freshen up for the viewing and to visit for a few minutes. Afterwards, we headed over to Papaw's house to meet up with the family. It is such an amazing blessing that our entire family was able to make it in for the viewing.
The mortuary where the viewing was held was so perfect. It had a gorgeous indoor garden and two nice TVs that played an absolutely perfect slideshow Michelle made. I had the privilege of walking arm and arm with Papaw to see Mamaw. She looked so beautiful and peaceful. So many people came by to pay their respects and many others sent such pretty arrangements. We had such a good time telling stories and hearing all the different ways both Mamaw and Papaw had blessed so many others.
This is one of my favorite pictures of Mamaw from the slideshow.
I love these two of Mamaw and Pawpaw...they look so happy and in love!
After the viewing, everyone headed to dinner. I could tell Papaw was tired, so I asked him if he would take me on a date to El Pollo Loco...with our third wheel Uncle Gary! It was such an amazingly sweet time with the two of them.
Thursday we spent most of the day around the house, just spending time together as family. I believe it is such a testament of Mamaw and Papaw's love that we had 8 people staying in a small house, and 12 people spending time there, and there were no fights, arguments, nothing. It was a beautiful time of togetherness. When it was time to head to the church, we all went over together, prayed as a family, and then celebrated Mamaw's life! It was such a perfect ceremony and is exactly what Mamaw would have wanted.
On Friday, we spent time going through Mamaw's clothes and jewelry. It was definitely difficult, but we found over $250 she had stuffed in different purses, so Mamaw was buying dinner. We also found a box with every breakfast note Papaw had written her, which is another testament to their love. Later I realized that one of the three necklaces I chose was the necklace she wore to our wedding...such a sweet God thing!
We headed out to Laguna Beach to take family pictures. It was an absolutely perfect day and it was so fun. I am so glad that we were all able to celebrate Mamaw's life and spend some time together.
Recreation of a picture from our trip to DC together as kids!
I love my sweet family!
I am so thankful I was able to make it to California to be with my family. It is truly a blessing to have such an amazing family and I am so glad we were all there together. Mamaw was such a special person and I will miss her until I get to dance on the streets of gold with her!
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