'TIL WE MEET AGAIN . . . .

Yes, it was a very interesting/unusual/special weekend.  My mother-in-love, Joyce Reading Smith Turley, passed quietly in her sleep during the night of Oct. 15^th – 16^th. Our well-loved stepfather, Frank "Pop" Turley, had a lovely viewing for her friends and family in Holbrook on Friday afternoon. . Her funeral was held last Saturday here in Tempe, AZ. She was buried today in Palos Verdes, CA. Many loving people attended all three events, celebrating the life of this funny, special interesting, talented woman.

Called "GG" (for great-grandma) by both her own children's children and Frank's, Joyce lived a long, grand life. Toward the end of her life, she needed to be cared for in a Home Care Facility, but Pop was with her nearly every day. The only time he missed were the days he needed to go to his home in Holbrook to take care of personal matters and give Patriarchal Blessings. One of Mom's children, Pop's children, or a friend visited her every day that Pop was gone.  She was well-loved and well-cared for.

Mom will long be remembered for her love and abilities with music as well as with people. Her funeral was well-attended. The program was as follows:

OPENING HYMN: "A Moment in Eternity", composed and performed by
         Jody Mull, daughter

INVOCATION: Danny Mull, son-in-law

EULOGY: Sue Smith (ME!),  daughter-in-law

REMARKS: Mike Ferguson, son-in-law

MUSICAL NUMBER: "I Am a Child of God", performed by GG and Pop's

grand- and great-grandchildren, accompanied by Chris Bowler, grandson-  in-law

TALK: Dennis H. Smith, son

REMARKS: Bp. Michael Willson

CLOSING SONG: "I May Not Pass This Way Again", former Songsmiths,

accompanied by Chris Bowler

BENEDICTION: Jiggs LeMieux, son-in-law

It was a lovely funeral- lasting only about an hour and fifteen minutes. Perfect!

A lovely luncheon was held following the funeral. A large crowd stayed to enjoy the food, but mostly to enjoy the fellowship of Mom's family and friends.  We may or may not have gotten a little LOUD, I think!  It seems like the only times we see some of these wonderful people is at a funeral or a reception. Why is that?  We love and enjoy these people! Why don't we get together?   . . . sigh . . .

We have learned from Mom ("GG") that life is unpredictable. She kept saying that she never expected to end up like she did. Who of us does? It's important to truly LIVE our lives, while we can. Let's not waste a single day- not even a tiny minute!

Be WHO we are, WHAT we are- in the best possible way.  THAT is how to honor our parents, our families, our friends and ourselves.

. . . and so,  I say, "Farewell, Joyce/Mom/Grandma/GG . . . 'til we meet again." I love and miss you.