Tuesday

Tuesday, was the memorial service for my aunt. My mom read my blog about Patsy, then her words, and then (the hardest of all) Patsy's words. The service was beautiful, just what Patsy wanted. Old hymns were sung, memories shared, and then the best of all, my brother played the guitar while Mattie sang "I Will Rise". I am still not sure how she got through the entire song, but she did, and it was powerful. Afterwards, the casket was placed on a horse drawn carriage and we all walked behind it to the cemetery. I felt like we were in an old movie. It was such an image. Seeing it going slowly up the hill, and hearing the horses hooves clopping along and people crying. Many of us walked in pairs, holding hands, side by side. The last thing Patsy wanted done, was for everyone to sing Dixie. I am sure she was laughing about how badly we did it. I mean, come on, we all know the tune, but the words are a little fuzzy. It sounded something like "I wish I was in Dixie, hooray, hooray, hmm humm humm hmm, huumm hum hum hum, hum hum hum, hum-Dixie." Thanks to everyone who came to the service. It was great to see all the lives Patsy has touched, such a diverse group gathered in her honor. And, last but not least, a HUGE thanks to Jeff and Cindy for coming to the house when my boys got off of the bus.

P.S. Many of you know there are allot of family birthdays this week and anniversaries. I will post about those later.