If we could send letters to heaven here’s one I’d send…

Dear Kathy,

How are things going in heaven? What was it like to see our Savior face to face? While you are basking in His presence we are still down here figuring out life without you, especially Bill and Jeaneen.

I wanted to share that your memorial service was really a great celebration of your contagious joy and love for our Savior. Friends and family testified to the encouragement you gave them in life and how you made them laugh time and time again. Your sister-in-law Donna read tributes from Bill, Jeaneen and several other family members and friends. Bill wrote a beautiful tribute to you called “Going Home” that was printed in the bulletin. Your friend Katie read another tribute. Bill put together a slide show with some of your favorite hymns that showed your life over the years. I was so humbled to have a shot of you and me included in the show. Many of your friends and extended family came to say goodbye including cousins from Whittier and Santa Rosa. Your long time friend Judy came from San Diego and Randy gave the message. After the service there was a nice spread provided by the church and people lingered long to talk. The next part of this day was a little surreal for me…

After your service I drove over to your house for the evening. You know this was my first time ever at your house and it was just weird stepping into your house for the first time without you physically present. Thankfully I could see you in every comfy corner and in all the decorator touches in your home. I went outside to your garden and you know who was laying out there? Yes, you guessed, Soloman. The one you so lovingly called the knucklehead cat! He must sense a bit of your presence out there.

We had some great conversations around your dining room table with – count them…4 Home Economics Majors. I didn’t realize there were so many of us out there and that you had majored in Home Economics, too. Your cousin from Whittier really made us laugh and she also made us blush a few times! So many fun and funny memories were shared. By the way…I have no idea why Bill looked at me when he asked if he should open a 2nd bottle of wine?! :0) It was a long day and I had to call it a night and head back to the hotel. We had one more event in your honor coming on Monday morning.

It was great spending time with Jeaneen and being able to give her hugs and let her express her emotions about losing you. She really misses her big sister.

On Monday morning we got together at Fair Oaks Cemetery for one more goodbye.

Your friends and family were a great support to both Bill and Jeaneen.

We were able to pray together and we sang a song together, too.

This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.
My treasures are laid up
somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Chorus

• O Lord you know I have no friend like you
• If Heaven’s not my home, then Lord what will I do
• The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
• And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
• Now that everyone has gone home and the busyness of preparing for your services are over your friends and family are committed to keep Bill and Jeaneen in our prayers as reality hits them in the face everyday. Even though you were physically small your presence was very large in a lot of people’s life and there is a void that will not be replaced. We are praying that Bill and Jeaneen and the rest of those of us who were close to you will accept the comfort God will give and spread your infectious joy to those God puts in our paths.
• See you later Kathy!
• With Love,
• ellen b.