There’s a reason I took a short break from blogging this week.
My cousin, Lona, had been a resident in a nearby nursing home for the past couple of years. My visits with her were frequent. Ater a brief hospital stay last weekend, she was transported back to the home Monday afternoon. Upon visiting her that evening, I had a feeling that I should stay the night with her. I asked Motor Man to bring my cell phone charger, a Diet Coke and the lap top. (I travel light.)
I remembered that, a few years ago, Lona mentioned to me that one of her favorite songs was “Over The Rainbow”. So after her company left that evening, I found it on You-tube, and played it. And I cried. (She had become unresponsive during her hospital stay.)
Once the song ended, I closed my eyes for a few minutes. When I opened them, I realized that Lona was no long breathing. Quietly, peacefully, she was gone.
I wanted to create a slide show with photos from her life, using that song in the background. To me, the words are so fitting, as I think of her being free of all the problems she faced here on earth.
Someday I’ll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops:
That’s where you’ll find me.
When Lona’s pastor came to visit with me Wednesday, I mentioned to him how much I would love to have the video/slide show to share at her funeral. But I also told him that I had no idea how to go about it. He immediately offered, and below is the video he created. (Thank you, Jimmy. Without you, this most likely would not have happened.)
Today, we’ll remember Lona’s life, and she’ll be laid to rest. The cemetery is within sight of the old homeplace where her dad’s (and my mom’s) family lived for many years.
She’s home.
Long before we’re ready, we sadly say goodbye;
but there are those in a far better place,
who are softly whispering “welcome home”.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 