Grandma Pat

We have written on here before about Grandma Pat. We wrote about when we went to visit her in Oklahoma. We wrote about when she was going to accompany our family on a cruise last July. We wrote about when she came to visit us for Easter. We wrote about her Christmas gifts to Bennett, and how she tried to teach him to crawl. Most recently, we wrote about visiting her in Houston while Matt was home for his R&R.

And today we are writing about her getting to go home.

Grandma Pat passed quietly away February 8th, 2011 at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 7 days. I only knew her personally for a little under two years, but I can honestly say she was one of the neatest people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Because Grandma Pat didn't just live. She LIVED.

And that is what they focused on at her funeral. Her remarkable life, full of family, friends, travels, adventures, and dreams. It was a beautiful ceremony. Bennett and I were in attendance, along with many, many others who knew and loved Grandma Pat. There were more flowers and plants in the little Baptist church where her life was celebrated than I have ever seen at any florist. And like the reverend said, "A great life makes for a great funeral."

She truly was a remarkable lady.

Mary, Wayne, and Bekah, laying down our flowers.

Mary, Bennett, and me saying our, "goodbyes for now."

She was truly loved.

I didn't get a picture, but there were about thirty of these left at the church and the cemetery.

Some of the flowers people sent.

Some of the greenery.

Trying to decide what to do with it all!

These pictures are for Matt. This is Cole, Uncle Clay, me, Bennett, Aunt Annie, and a baby (I have no idea who the baby belongs to...) Aunt Annie is Grandma Pat's daughter.

Cole, Uncle Clay, Aunt Annie, and the mystery baby.

And just because we were at a funeral doesn't mean we didn't have a little fun. In fact, I'm pretty sure Grandma Pat would have wanted it that way. :)