This past week my hubby and I traveled to the Black Hills of South Dakota. The main reason was to have a Memorial for my Mother, to scatter her ashes, spend time with family, and sight see.
We started our trip the day before, getting a motel because our plane took off at 6:30AM and we needed to be there early.
As it seems to be every travel day, neither of us slept well. We got up at 1:30 and decided to get ready to go to the airport, which was only a mile away. We got to our check in point early so we had to wait for half an hour before checking in. After going through all that we needed to do, we made it to our gate with 15 minutes to spare, time enough to grab some coffee! Yes!
We were late taking off, but fortunately when we landed in Chicago, our next flight boarded one gate away! Only God could have arranged that! Whew!
When we landed in Rapid City, I texted all the family to let them know. I got a phone call from my uncle that said my aunt fell that morning and she was in the hospital. So as soon as we could go see her we did and visited every day until the morning we left to come home. I wish we could have stayed to help, but we needed to come home.
Throughout the week, we had Mom’s Memorial. Since I wanted her memory to all of us to be a fond one, I asked everyone what their favorite memory was of Mom. We had some wonderful stories, silly moments, and laughter. That’s how Mom would have wanted it, I think.
Her favorite flowers were tulips and we found some really pretty ones for her memorial table on Thursday.
Friday was a sight seeing day for hubby and I. We went to see the Needles Highway, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Iron Mountain Road. It was simply spectacular!
Needles Highway.
We saw buffalo, too!
My sister made a fantastic enchilada Mexican dinner at her house and had all the family there. What a blessing to spend time with them all!
Saturday, was the day we all drove to Chamberlain, SD in honor of Mom at her favorite place to stop in the middle of the state--Al's Oasis. We had breakfast, continued sharing good memories, and toasted our water glasses to Mom. Then we went to honor her one last time and took her ashes to the Missouri River to spread them there.
It was time for our final goodbyes. This is what she wanted and it was in a place where she'd likely go fishing if she were still with us. She would have liked it.
On Mother's day we went to the Badlands. It was spectacular!
You can see the video here.
The pictures don't do it justice! You have go to see it for yourself! It's amazing!
Monday, since it was sunny, we decided to go to Devil's Tower. That was equally as amazing!
The lookout from the trail.
Looking up and trying to find all the climbers. There were at least 10 up there!
We tried taking our time because the next stop was beginning our "Goodbyes". So we went through Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota where we visited Bridal Veil Falls, another favorite place of my mother's.
Spearfish Canyon is incredible!
Every single turn there was beautiful sights and breathtaking views!
After visiting a very small part of Spearfish Canyon, we went to see my brother and his girlfriend. We had dinner and had to scoot because there were more people to say "Goodbye" to.
....closing the door had begun...
It was time to move forward.
My mother was a beautiful woman from the day she was born until she took her last breath. Although I can never call her, send her a card, or take her out to lunch, she's been honored in the best way we knew how.
Now it's time to pull my oily app up on my phone and search for grief, feelings, emotions, moving forward and see what it comes up with. I'm not feeling any depression, but gratefulness. Grateful to the Lord for every single moment. I'm praying & searching for what's next.
I started praying for all the things, all the loved ones we left behind and everything they deal with in their lives.
So, we will continue to pray, but continue to seek the Lord for the next steps in our lives.
Moving forward...
Love & God Bless,
Regina Graham
Craig and I at Canyon Lake, Rapid City, SD at sunrise!
I am not a doctor. I cannot diagnose, prescribe, or treat anyone
for any disease or sickness.
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