Until Then, Nita

Nita loved to tell people about Spill the Beans, so we thought it only appropriate to dedicate this week's podcast to her. We're telling stories about our memories with her, and we'd love for you to listen!

Listen here

I am so tired. We are so tired. It's been a long week. Full of beauty in many ways, don't misunderstand. But full nonetheless. A week ago yesterday, we were at Ryan's mom's house for our final shift, staying late into the night. The next day, she was gone, and we've been going 100 miles an hour for the last week, trying to meet all the needs we could meet, help make decisions, and somewhere in the middle there, grieve a little bit. There just really hasn't been time for too much of that yet.

Yesterday was our final goodbye, and I believe Nita would have been pleased with the tributes offered at her funeral service.

Because I know she would have wanted the whole thing documented, I did take some pictures throughout the funeral. The service began with a presentation by the Nursing Honor Guard. I didn't realize they were going to present that little lamp to Allen, or I would have gotten a photo of that, too.

The minister at Nita's church did a fantastic job with the message at the funeral. Really personal and heartfelt.

My sweet Ryan read her obituary and shared a few stories. He did an amazing job. I couldn't have done it. (And yes, I do know speaking is my job.)

Nita's brother gave a eulogy, and he did a beautiful job with it, too.

Ryan's brother and sister also shared a few thoughts, and our sister-in-law read a poem for the grandkids. It was really sweet.

Ryan and his brother, the two sons-in-law, two brothers-in-law, Nita's other brother, and Allen were pallbearers, and all the grandsons were honorary pallbearers.

Ryan's two sisters, Allen, and Ryan and I rode in the family limo out to the cemetery:

Before we got to the cemetery, Allen asked if we could stop by the cabin so she could be there one last time. They were kind to let me get a picture. The hearse and limo went in the driveway, and the rest of the procession stayed on the road.

It was a beautiful, sunny day for a graveside service, but WHEW! Windy!! We were pretty chilly. Many thanks to my friend Amber for getting some photos for us at my request.

Nita's church made a WONDERFUL and delicious meal for everyone, and we enjoyed fellowship with our friends after the service was over.

And then we came home and took a long, long nap. We may be doing that again all day today.

Thank you all so much for allowing us to share this part of our lives with you. It has been so helpful for me to process this way. I am grateful for your kindness.