The day began with a rainbow. Kody and I chased it down the highway headed to OKC for my aunt’s memorial service. I noted the message on hope.
With the rainbow overhead, we sped past the Carol Rose Quarter Horse Ranch on our right. The ranch, the rainbow, all confirmations of my aunt’s presence. Her name is Carol Rose.
In high school, my aunt’s classmates voted her “Miss Hello,” the friendliest girl in her senior class. Two year’s older than my mom, one of my favorite stories is how Aunt Carol went to work after graduating from high school and bought my mother’s prom dress. It was white with scallops around the bottom and across the strapless top. There were still six mouths to feed at home. Dresses could be borrowed. Carol Rose is the epitome of good and kind. The whole family was. Was. Is. Time passes on. I hope the goodness does, too.
Golden sunlight danced in the treetops as my cousin Marcus swept the fallen leaves from my grandparents’ gravestone nearby. “The epitome of good and kind,” I thought as I snapped a photo and contemplated the family tree…how the leaves fall one at a time…how new branches grow…new buds…new life. Ed and Catherine Savage, Christians in the truest sense of the word. No preaching. No judgement. A legacy of good and kind.
Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope 
Dearest Crystal,
I’ve had you on my mind this morning thinking about your trip to Oklahoma City for your aunt’s memorial. I hope you had a beautiful day with beautiful people. This is the sweetest story you’ve written so far! It touched my heart and reminds me of you—always good and kind! I’ll use the scripture as my morning devotion 💜
Love You & yours always….
Dana, Nana, Mom
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Thank you so much, Dana. It was sad, but good. I believe in better places and picture my grandparents and my uncles looking beautiful and having a reunion with Carol. I was happy Kody could be there with me. ❤️
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Very sweet, gave pause to think about my Mom, who passed in 2018.
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My aunt was 81. That’s a good life. I can’t imagine losing my mom, but I know the time will come. I hope you find peace and comfort in your memories.
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I miss her and regret not phoning her more.
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Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for reading.
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That was beautiful. You have a real gift for writing. Your mom is one of my dearest friends and I often see pictures of her flash by on my computer screen saver. What fun we had fooling everyone with our names being so similar. I know she is very proud of you. Sharon Peddy Baker
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Sharon, thanks so much for the kind words and dropping by to share. Heather and I also had fun with the names. I remember a few people thinking we were sisters.
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When our loved ones pass away, their goodness and kindness live on in our hearts and lives. Blessings during this time of remembrance ❤
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I suppose that’s the point. To live life in a way that makes a difference in others. Thank you, Rosaliene.
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Hi Crystal. We are lucky that many good and kind people are/were among us. The world could use many, many more.
Neil Scheinin
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I feel lucky, Neil. The best I can do is try to pay it forward. Cheers!
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thanks for sharing
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Nice walk down memories lane!
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Much appreciated! Have a great weekend!
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What a cherished memory. Beautiful!!
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Thank you so much! For all the visits!! ❤️
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