Wishes do come true

As most of you know from previous posts, Mom's last wish was to be buried back home at the Bellsville Cemetery in Indiana next to her Grandma and Grandpa. She never thought this would be possible because she resided in Sacramento, California. When I got the phone call on October 28th that she was in the hospital and I needed to come ASAP I also was told that she had agreed to cremation because of living and cost situation. (I knew from our previous talks that she wanted nothing more than to be buried back home in Indiana). I could not allow this to happen. This was one wish that had to be granted. Tyler and I talked and decided that we were going to create an account with GiveForward for her and hope and pray for the best. When I arrived at the hospital the conversation was brought up right away. I told Mom that I wouldn't allow that to happen and that we would get her back to Indiana and her wish would come true. She looked at me in amazement with big eyes and said "really? how?" I told her about the account and she repeated over and over "really Shayna? really Oche?" She was so happy! Each time there was a new donation we would tell her right away and she lit up the room with excitement! She would ask if this was really happening. It was incredible to see such joy on her face. She was so thankful for everyone that was donating. When we had enough funds from GiveForward and from family and friends to ensure that we could get her back to Indiana she cried and cried. She couldn't believe it was happening. Without you all and your love, support, generosity, and prayers this would not have been possible. We would not have been able to fly her home and have a beautiful viewing and memorial service for her. Her wish came true today.

My heart was seriously warmed by friends and family I was surrounded with and by others who I knew were thinking about Mom and wishing they could be with us while she was being laid to rest. I have two words to sum up how her memorial service was: beautiful and peaceful. Just like her passing. Everything was perfect, just the way she would have wanted it to be. It was a very difficult day to have to say our final goodbye's here on earth, but it helped being surrounded by our loved ones and knowing that many many others were thinking and praying for us on this day. The view of the cemetery was breathtaking. Even though it was a cold day, the clouds were beautiful, and the sun was shining. Oche opened the service by reading a letter that she wrote to Mom. Pastor Douglas did a magnificent job talking about her and describing her favorite scriptures. I have to mention that during this time a sound caught my attention. I listened intently and it was the soft cooing of a dove. I nudged Oche and Tyler and told them to listen. They acknowledged that they heard it as well. As soon as Pastor Douglas finished his remarks the dove stopped and never made another sound. This was incredible. I know that happened for a very special reason. Mom was showing us that she was there with us.  Doves symbolize peace and that's exactly what we were experiencing the whole time. What a miraculous moment! Uncle Tom talked about precious memories and read a letter that I wrote her. Bro. Douglas closed with the committal and a peaceful prayer. So thankful we have the promise that we will get to see her again someday.  We were getting ready to leave the cemetery, but Oche and I decided we wanted to stay to watch Mom be lowered to the ground. It was such a inspirational moment to know that this is where she wanted to be when her time here on earth was finished.

After the service we gathered at Family Life and Worship Center for a reception. A huge thank you to everyone who made that possible. Great food and fellowship. The tables were decorated cute and the food was delicious.  What a blessing! It was such a wonderful and special time being with our loved ones and celebrating such a radiant life. I loved how everyone mentioned that mom was so special to them and was remembered by always having a smile on her face and being so positive. Mom had asked if my mother in law would sing and Oche as well. Tyler and my father in law played the guitar while Carol Ann sang Love Lifted Me and Oche sang Consider the Lilies. Those were mom's favorite songs. During these songs my heart was so touched and happy. These were two of the songs we sang to mom in her final days as well as during her final minutes. I can picture the biggest smile on her face and enjoying hearing Oche and Carol Ann sing so beautifully. I will cherish those moments forever!

 

 I'm thankful we have such peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father. He loves us all so much and doesn't want us to be heartbroken because he called one of his precious saints home. I will never forget the peace I felt after a friend sent me this scripture to read after her passing. Psalms 116:15~ "Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of his saints." This whole journey that Mom went through was all planned out according to His will for her life. Only he knew when her time here on earth would be over. This is not the end, it is just the beginning for my Mother.  To God be all of the glory for everything He has done. He is good. All the time. No matter what!

Attached is the program that Tyler Bonney made for Mom. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much my love!

Don't ever forget that Jesus loves you! And don't be afraid to tell others. You may never know what difference it will make in someone's life.  :)