Visitation Day

June 5, 2021
Mama's Visitation Day

This was a day that we were all preparing for in our own way.  We knew it would be grueling but rewarding.  And it was both.  It was also hot and we were running on adrenaline.  I was worried about Daddy making it through the whole time, but he stuck it out.  He didn't want to leave until the last person had been greeted.  I know that was important to him.  And it was so important to everyone who came to see him.  It was heartwarming to see everyone who was there - and to know the effort they took to be there.  It really is so appreciated and means so much.  

We will forever be grateful to Truman State University and President Thomas for all they did to make the visitation for Mama special.  We were blown away by their kindness and generosity.  We felt it was so appropriate to have her visitation on the campus at Truman and the tent was the perfect spot.  But the way President Thomas stepped in to provide tables, linens, water, cookies, and so much more was something we will never forget.  It was perfect and we know Mama would have been so pleased.  

wonderful Truman staff setting up the tent for the visitation

Daddy greeting Marietta

Daddy with the Gaw family (and Maverick)  :)

Daddy's dear friend from childhood on - Edwina

Wonderful state fair commission chairman Roberts and his wife

the photo display looked fantastic!

nearing the end of the visitation 

We gathered back home - exhausted but thankful.  It was good to have made it through that event and we felt the love of so many dear people. 

THIS was a monumental surprise and just made me want to cry!  My dear and wonderful friend (and maid of honor at our wedding) Sandra drove up from Nashville to attend the visitation!  I had no idea she was coming!  But this wonderful lady is known for these acts of kindness.  She always knows right when you need her.  So grateful for her and our years of friendship - and the fact that we can pick it right back up again no matter how much time has gone by. 

Later on Jennifer and I decided it was time to float in the pool.  This was my first time getting in this season.  Maverick joined us for a bit.  :)

We gathered on our patio to have leftovers for dinner.  The end of a long day but a good day overall.  And again, it was just so good to be together.  

Another hard day filled with gratitude... thank you all.