We're back! Great Aunt Caroline's funeral was simple and touching. She chose everything in advance herself. Lots of pinks, whites, and roses, all just as lovely as she was herself.
It wasn't easy, but I got up to speak at the funeral. Because my mother adored her aunt so much, I felt like I needed to say something from my Mom, since she has passed away and wasn't able to tell everyone how much Caroline meant to her. And since I was talking about Mom, and thinking about times with her, it was doubly hard to speak without sobbing. I was facing lots of overwhelming emotions, but it was something I had to do.
Whether anyone in the funeral home could understand what I was saying through the tears or not, at least I said it.
Sissy and I stayed on the beach in Sarasota, taking a memory tour of places I used to go with my grandma years ago. One of my favorite places in the world when I was a kid was Siesta Key Beach and I was glad to see that the sand is every bit as soft and powdery as I remembered!
We walked on the beach at night as the sun was setting, then drank wine on the balcony and ate a feast of breads, cheeses and fruits for a picnic. When we left the hotel room in the morning, this outline of my fat little Fred Flintstone shaped foot was on the carpet outside the door.
We also hunted for and found the old trailer that Grandma used to live in! At least we think this is it….
Before the trip, I had my hair colored, trying to get it back to natural. I thought the highlights had gone so far, that they looked more sun damaged than sun kissed. Sugarwings noticed right away and said, "Grammy did you get more hair?"
I'm not sure about the color yet. It might need to be brigther, or darker or redder or something less boring.
One thing I remember about my Grandma's trailer from when I was a kid, is all the lizards in the yard. And this abandoned trailer had plenty of lizards. I thought about trying to break in to see inside, but couldn't get the doors open. And when I saw this guy trapped between the window and the glass, I had 2nd thoughts about going in anyway.
Maybe it was all the talk of the past and people who were long gone that influenced my Sissy when we checked into this gorgeous old hotel in Mt Dora. She was feeling "not right" about it. We checked right back out again and moved to another place.
The place seemed quaint and inviting to me, but I could tell she just was not happy there at all. Maybe it was haunted? That is my theory! I might have enjoyed staying with ghosts.
It all worked out for the best, the hotel we moved to was where my other sister and her hubby were staying. There was a free breakfast, and a little gazebo on the lake right outside our back door, where we could sit and sip wine and watch the sunset again. Of course, that is a big part of vacationing for us, sipping wine and watching the water.
And the hotel was not far from the funeral home where we said goodbye to our Great Aunt. Family had laid out photos of her, including this one taken in her 90s. I hope I take after her at least a little bit! I'd love to look this great in my 90s!!!!!!!!!!!!
We don't know what year this photo is from, only that it captures some of the tranquility and beauty that was such a part of her.
Thanks again for all of your condolences. And once again for all your help last year in making the hundred plus cards that helped mark her 110th birthday!
Hi Karla,
Sounds like you had a lovely time catching up with family and friends and celebrating your Aunty’s great life.
Love to see all your pictures along the way.
Hugs,
Anna
what a beautiful lady she was….glad you had a good trip and made it safely home.
chasity
I am so glad that you found peace during the services, not only for your aunt but for your Mother as well. It is wonderful that you had that moment to feel your Mothers heart and know that she lives on through you even in loving others. The picture of the foot made me smile. Before I read what it was, I thought it was a foot print in the stars of the sky. Have a look at it again and you might see what I saw at first. Have a relaxing blessed week. Cherie
Karla, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear great aunt. That last picture of her really touched me. She had such a kind and gentle face.
I love your new hair color, I think you look young and beautiful. I, too, had to chill on the highlights, they were looking a little too brassy and dry on me!
Karla,last year my husband and I stayed in a ($150.00 per night) hotel in Mt. Dora and the ghost activity was so bad we barely slept. we finally left at about 5:00am. I was willing to sleep in the car.Your sister may have sensed something. Believe me..it itsn’t fun. glad you are back safe and sound:)
OK, is it my imagination or is this posted twice. I’m glad because this time I looked at the scenery a little more. I do love the scenery in Florida. I haven’t been there for a long time.
Blessings,
Christine
Dear Karla, such lovely pictures of your
Aunt. I am so glad that you are home
safe and sound.
Ok….the lizard did scare me a bit! 🙂
Hugs,
Janis
Hello. Just getting home from being away for over a week … just now hearing of your Auntie’s passing. So sorry for your loss. {love Grandma’s trailor!} Will have to go back and read the things you posted while I was away from my computer for so long.
Hello, brave Karla! What you did at the funeral was hard, but I am so glad you did it. You will never by sorry for that good bye. Praying for confort for you. Hugs to Sugarwings! Martha
Karla, so sorry for the loss of your Aunt. She truly was such a beautiful lady.
xo heather
Oh, Karla — I know you were fabulous. And that probably had to be one of the hardest speaking gigs you’ll ever have. Hugs.
I know exactly what you mean, I felt the same way at my Gram’s funeral a month ago. I also hope someone could understand me through my blubbering-I was sure I wouldn’t survive the experience. But I am glad I did it! Oh, and yikes-mr. lizard!