Wow, what a ride!

This post is in fond memory of my aunt, who passed away yesterday.  I will be in South Dakota the rest of the week, and will return to my blog next Monday.  Thank you for your prayers for my family.

Good-bye to my sweet and always cheerful and upbeat Aunt Betty.  A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, South Dakota Mother of the Year, nurse, actress, organizer of countless, always fun Easter egg hunts, tireless volunteer for her church and community, and a woman with a hearty laugh and a never dimmed joy in life.  We always knew if you and your purse made it on to Let's Make a Deal, you would have won!  Your purse was as bottomless as your loving heart.  The twinkle in your eyes could outshine the stars.  And your zest for adventures is the stuff legends are made of.   When I was engaged, you showed up at my parents house with a crystal ring holder...dressed as Groucho Marx.  It made a memorable first impression on my fiance!  You loved Halloween, and my kids couldn't wait to trick or treat at your house...your costumes always rivaled theirs!



Aunt Betty and Uncle Everett (my dad's older brother).  My dad is on the end, with the beautiful curly hair.

Your Easter egg hunts were extraordinary, whether in your backyard or at the Masonic Lodge.  I won the golden egg one year and the ten dollar bill tucked inside...talking about feeling rich!  But we all struck it rich...rich in love, and family stories and lots and lots of laughter. 

Easter egg hunt, circa 1989.  My oldest two boys are dead center (red McDonalds sweatshirt) and off to the right (red, white and black striped sweatshirt)



I sang this song in church just a couple of weeks ago, tearfully thinking of my loved ones that are no longer with us in this part of our life journey, and the words of triumph over death are so sustaining right now.

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

I love the quote below, and somehow, it just has Aunt Betty stamped all over it.  We love you and we will miss you.  Your ride was a great one.