Today we had a small, family only graveside service. It was a time for us to gather on the hill where Rhonda's earthly body was being laid to rest. It was a somber time, there is something not too reassuring to driving into the cemetery and seeing the hearse, the hole dug, chairs set up and a tent. It was surreal, that shouldn't be for us, that shouldn't be for Rhonda.
Along with her Burkey family there were her inlaws and sister in law from Montana. Her best friend since junior high and another close couple friend of Ron and Rhonda's. We all gathered as we watched the men in the group carry her coffin from the hearse to the tent. Becky shared a scripture for us all. Ken said he had a scripture to share but that Becky's was way better. We all got a little laugh in and then Ken shared another scripture and an amazing thought for us to remember. He reminded us that yes, we were burying her earthly body. But, her dying body was swallowed up by life. That is eternal life in Jesus her Lord.
Rob led us in a song, "Come unto me, all who are heavy laden, come unto me and I will give you rest." Wally prayed and we all cried.
All us girls had flowers to put on the coffin. We took turns walking up and laying our rose across it. Our time there was almost done, but one more important thing to do. Kelly, Katy, I and the girls headed over to Brenda's headstone which is only a few feet away, and we placed the rest of our red roses there.
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I am not often left gulping for words. So I will try to express what feelings reside within my heart and soul [which were never designed to easily translate into words] after today's service at Green Valley.
ReplyDeleteTo Ken: Your words, courage, passion in your love of Our God overwhelmed me totally. In fact, I almost choked to death myself! Thank you and my heart is with you.
To Rob: I missed that voice that so filled Kathy and I's hearts to the brim. Thank You
To Betty and Wally: Thank you both for bringing into the world such wonderful, loving children who had and continue to have such a huge impact on lives of countless numbers of others. God Giveth and He taketh away. No one could begin to understand that more than you two. Perhaps you cannot even understand it yourselves. But your faith in God and His goodness, and your ability to walk with your head held high, knowing that all is well for Brenda and Rhonda, yet feeling the loss so very deeply served as an incredible example to Kathy and I of the power of the Lord, and how much He Loves us. Our hearts and souls and tears and hugs are all over you guys.
Thank you
To Ron: Rhonda is surely in heaven and at peace. I am sure you know that. And she was right about her "man" as well. You're quite a man, strong as iron with faith as your backbone. Kathy and I love you and deeply feel your pain....and joy. Another example of the power of faith. Thank You
To Rhonda's Kids: My, my, what two sweet blessings you are. Momma was smiling from ear to ear and brimming with pride, love and joy for the dignity, bravery, focus and intensity it took for you to walk on that stage and speak to others when you hurt so bad inside. Indeed, Momma and Poppa did a great job. For the strength of today's youth and the hope for the future, thank You.
To Rhonda: For your life, your spirit, for bringing me back amongst your beautiful family's presence, for all those things that were said and unsaid, and for the intense faith I feel leaving your memorial; for all that and more, thank you and say hello to Jesus for Kathy and I.
I'm outta words. Time to close my eyes, reflect and pray.
Michael and Kathy Dennis
December 30, 2009
It was a beautiful tribute to Rhonda I ask, "how does someone live their life so perfectly as Rhonda did?", but in Ron's message, he cleared that all up, "It's Jesus" he said.
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
Aunt Betty
I miss Brenda so so much! I love that lady!! I know Rhonda would not mind me saying that even on her blog because so many of her thoughts were in anticipation to see her sister again. These two ladies are precious gems. One thought of comfort is that as Becky experienced with Rhonda. I am sure they have not stopped talking. Brenda just like with the shoe lace directions is showing Rhonda around. Forever in my heart ladies forever in my heart. Thank you for sharing even a day with me!
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