With the passing of Ron’s sweet mom Eileen, we’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

Yesterday was her funeral and I’m sure she loved it! I’ve never seen so many attend a funeral for someone in their 99th year of life!

Everyone adored her, and she was easy to love. Eileen was a testament of kindness, love, and gratitude for everything people did for her.

The day could not have been more perfect with blue skies and sunshine in the mid 60’s. Eileen’s Light and the Light of our Savior were tangible throughout the day.

As we strive to follow her example, I started a list of all those who served her, particularly over the past few years.

Ron and I wanted to thank them in Eileen’s behalf. I’ve made sure to write handwritten thank you notes and get them in the mail, just like Eileen would have done. I have a stack sitting here now ready for Ronnie to write and send out as well.

We couldn’t forget all the caregivers who were so kind and compassionate to her.

Ron and I dropped off 60 little gifts for each employee at “The Family Tree” in addition to those at “Quality Hospice.”

It’s unusual to see healthcare professionals show emotion, but there were tears shed by them over the past week.

It was humbling to see so many of them take the time to attend her viewing and funeral as well.

Eileen touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and I am blessed that mine was one of them. I will miss her greatly but know she is loving life as one of Heaven’s newest and brightest angels. The parties in Heaven are probably still going on as she reconnects with family and friends. Eileen was the definition of Light and positivity.

Our daughter Steph shared these thoughts at Eileen’s funeral and they are spot on. “As I have been reflecting on Grandma’s life and wondering how I can carry on her legacy, one thing kept coming to mind . . . It’s okay to live simply. Grandma was not a complicated person. She worked, she served, she loved, and she followed Christ. She was always so grateful for every little thing, and I truly believe that’s why she was so happy. She went through a lot of hard things in her life, but she chose to find the joy by loving and serving through it, and she made it look easy. She patterned her life after the Savior who also lived simply. If you find you are missing Grandma, go mow your lawn, plant some Zinnias, play a card game with someone you love, watch a Hallmark movie, pick up the phone and call someone just because, sit on the back patio with a piece of pie and look at the beauty around you. She will be there. By living simply, her life was truly great.”

My wish for you this week is to slow down, eat a piece of pie on the back patio as you enjoy the beauties of nature that surround us. Then make a note on your calendar to plant some Zinnias next Spring to bring some Light into your life. We all need an Eileen in our lives!

Love Ya, Les 😊