It’s touched my families heart the way our small town has rallied around us the last few days. Southerners comfort by way of food, hugs, laughter, and shared tears.
We don’t have much in the way of extended family compared to many of the folks in our neck of the woods. B had already lost his dad and grandparents in his early twenties. I lost my last living grandparent in 2010. I am estranged from my mother. My dad, and siblings aren’t the type to reach out to us. We are fortunate that B’s childhood friend who is now a pastor was able to travel here with his wife to do the graveside service. He loved Miss Linda as his own.
‘My aunt is 80 plus years old she and my cousin came during a tumultuous time for them as she is just moving into an assisted living facility. I so needed her there. She knew that and came. The funeral was the same day as my birthday. She may some days forget my name, or when to take her medicine but she remembered that and sang happy birthday as she does every year.
My sweet cousin and a dear friend cooked entire meals for us. We had people drop off lunch and breakfast. Just to be taken care of and not worry about preparing meals is such a huge help. B has reconnected with his family in Memphis and they all traveled up for the funeral and visitation. Friends brought a magnolia tree for us to plant in her memory.
B and his mother were as close as a parent and child can be. Our children were so lucky to be able to see their mawmaw every day but their hearts are hurting that connection is gone.
‘Our grief is great. Our family is strong.