Thankful Thursday AND Good Mail!!

Today was the funeral.

A day to celebrate the memories of a life that once was.

It was a day full of mixed emotions.

In your heart - the part that loves - you are saddened whenever a loved one passes away. You miss them, their physical presence.

In your mind - the part that thinks logically - you know that they are in a better place. You understand that they are happier and healthier now than they have ever been in life. Knowing this gives you the peace that you need in your heart.

Despite the fact that the conditions were set for a somber day, the weather was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining down on us and there was a comfortable breeze in the air as we said our farewell's to a woman we all knew and loved.

Loved as a Mother.

Loved as a Grandmother.

And loved as a Great Grandmother.

A woman who was beautiful in her day. A woman with great talent. She was artistic and creative. She could cook a meal that was so good it would make your mouth water just thinking about it.

The memories of how she used to be and the knowledge that she was met by all of her loved ones, who left this Earth prior to her recent arrival, gave us great comfort for today's homecoming celebration.

This afternoon, when we arrived home, I shuffled through the mail and the first thing I came across was this sweet picture that was colored by my friend Tina's precious daughter, Ella.

Isn't it beautiful?? A Turtle and Ice Cream - two of my very favorite things! They really know how to put a smile on my face. :) Thank you Ella (and Tina)! I am going to hang it up in my turtle room.

The next piece of mail I came across was some good mail from Cindy Kraft.

Isn't this the cutest little check book cover ever?? I think she made it!! And for those who are interested, Cindy also does photography. See that adorable photo that was in with my checkbook cover?? That looks like a certain little girl that I know (Ella - mentioned above) and it's a picture that Cindy took. It's her business card! How cute is that?!?! She's so "Krafty" :) Thanks Cindy!


I'm a little late mentioning this one, but last week I got another good mail package.

This one was from Jen and in it was this sweet card with several packs of yummy Crystal Light. Thanks Jen!


In closing, I have so much to be thankful for today.....for starters, I'm thankful for life. It is a gift that we were given and something we should all learn to appreciate while we have it because it could be taken away from us at any given moment.


I am also extremely grateful for all of my friends - bloggy and otherwise. You have all been so supportive through this difficult week and I want to let you all know how much I sincerely appreciate everything: the kind words, the heartfelt cards, the home-made picture, AND the good mail - it couldn't have arrived at a better time.


I am truly blessed!