The handmade cross rested on the Christian flag that draped the pine box casket and also cradled my uncle’s well loved and well worn copy of the Word.
Before the service, we shared sweet memories of my uncle with many relatives and friends. My cousin Justin (pictured on the left with his wife) spoke at the celebration service. He spoke words of worthy of celebration about a godly man who taught him to pray and encouraged him by the way he daily lived and loved.Amidst my tears of his many sweet remembrances, all I could think of was “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” Proverbs 13:22a. My Uncle Bill lived out this verse by leaving a godly heritage.
An angel asleep in my brother’s arms during the visiting hours.
Susan sang “I Will Rise” with such power. On the last verse she tenderly inserted “he did rise when He called his name.”
A lovely engraving on my grandparents gravestone.
A wildflower arrangement.
Victoria Leigh and cousins.
Sweet interaction with the Little Miss.
Snapping her picture through the car window.
Strolling dolly through another cemetery as we remember other family members that are now alive with Jesus.
Audra and Caroline gazing outside.
A stuffed dog (that looks very much like Lilly Belle) introduced Caroline to the ivory keys.
I could not get enough pictures of my niece or my nephew.
It had only been a month since we’d seen their family; but still I wanted to snap their pictures continuously.
My nephew Arnie is a real treasure. Here he is with his own addition for a centerpiece for the lunch table. He and my dear brother had gone shooting in my grandmother’s field and he brought back the can he used as a target. The night we had 19 in our little nest for dinner, he was a HUGE help to me. No one prompted him to ask if he could help, he just asked. And then gladly served by doing many helpful and last minute tasks that would not been completed before dinner guests arrived had he not offered to help.
Was had good times around the table.
Lilly Belle was comfortable in her bed as company overflowed our cozy little house on the hill.
I love the smile on my dear brother’s face. Here he is pictured with our grandmother and aunt (in the background). My dear brother made so many deposits in my love tank during this visit. I have so many sweet remembrances of his kind and complimentary words of encouragement that he graciously spoke. He was complimentary about meals and details about our home which just blessed my heart. His words blessed me the days he spoke them and they continue to bless me as I remember them. 
Victoria Leigh made most of the delicious food we enjoyed, including the Oreo Truffles. My precious sister-in-love Nancy dipped the strawberries in the leftover chocolate for a lovely and delicious display on the buffet. I was so thankful for Nancy’s nimble fingers in the kitchen as we prepared meals. Not only was she helpful in the kitchen, I’m so thankful she also took pictures for me, so I would have them to share with you!
My cousins graciously washed ALL the dishes. Did I already say we had 19 for dinner one evening? Their kindness and sweet service was truly a labor of love.
We had many opportunities for hugs.
And my nephew never got tired of me taking his picture…
We enjoyed music from several musicians in the family.
These pictures taken of Sweet Caroline outside are *some* of my favorites…
Mr. Penguin takes a ride.
I loved the pose here – hands clasped, shoulders bent – however, I didn’t get it centered very well.
My sister-in-love, Nancy, is a gem of great worth. I loved her from the time I met her in high school and the years have deepened my affection for her. She is a godly wife and mother and I am flat out blessed to call her sister and kindred spirit. I have been blessed with three wonderful sister-in-laws. Nancy’s patient and gentle ways with my sweet niece, dear nephew and brother are so endearing. She is steeped in the Word and some of my favorite times with Nancy are sharing the Word together and encouraging one another. I have come to love when she prays over me. I am blessed.
I am so very thankful to the Lord for each and every member of my dear family.
I pray each of you has a blessed Memorial Day.
I’m sorry about your uncle. Looks like a great memorial service though. 🙂
It looks like GOD poured out many blessings amid the sorrow.
Blessings and prayers, andrea
Lora, I am praying for your family. I am REJOICING for the legacy your Uncle left. What a testimony….
We sang “I Will Rise” this morning, but after reading this I will think of you each time I hear that song.
Praise the Lord for a godly family!
Hugs and blessings,
stephanie
I’m sorry about the loss of your uncle on this side, but he is having an awesome time with Jesus. It sounds like his service and the time with the family was wonderful.
The pictures are precious!
Hi Lora, I am so sorry about your uncle.
I am excited about the memorial day tomorrow because it will be my first here in USA.
Have a blessed Sunday. 🙂
Hi Lora,
Your time with your family was obviously very special. May God’s peace cover you. His table has a place for all of us. B
A very lovely remembrance post Lora. Thank you for sharing it with us. It truly is a blessing.
It was great to see a comment from you on my blog. Thanks for stopping by.
What beautiful pictures and memories! It sounds like this was a celebration of a wonderful life with many small celebrations thrown in! what a treat!! Thanks for sharing.
Leah
Praise the Lord for Memorial services. A time to remember, a time to share, a time to re connect, a time to ponder on Heaven and our loved ones! It´s beautiful! You all sure looked like you were having a celebration and remembering your Uncle´s life. That is a true blessing!
May the Lord fill your hearts during this time.
Thanks for sharing all the pictures.
Lora, I am so sorry to hear the news of your uncle. What a rich heritage he has left your family! Yes, what a rich heritage you have! Your family is beautiful! Very precious, indeed!
I so enjoyed the pictures and am reminded of my own family. God is so good to us.
Many blessings to you and Audra.
With Christ’s Love,
Andrea
What a beautiful family you have and a precious legacy is a treasure.
Lora,
Nancy had already told me what a blessing it was to be with all of you. She had such wonderful things to say about your whole family and the extended family.
Then with the pictures you posted I felt like I also had been there.
She thinks your girls are so special.
Joy
Sweetie take your time with returning to us. We love you and are praying for you.
I so loved the photos!! That little girl has the cutest face. O my goodness! That shot of her in the car window is too cute.
Love the dog. I’m a huge dog lover. I have two male maltese.
Love you.
This post reminds me of what it is to live with “deep connections.” I think of my own family in a season past when generations would gather. We’re scattered now, and seeing these pictures here makes me hunger for a re-gathering.
A beautiful tribute, Lora. Your uncle would be so honored by the memory making.
peace~elaine