My SIL just posted this photo of Alliya and I.  As soon as I saw it, I recognized the setting. This was taken as John, Vince and I were leaving our cousin's wedding.  I sought out Alliya and knelt down to give her a big hug.  I wanted to thank her for giving me the rose out on the dance floor.  I'm so glad my FIL caught this moment because to me, it conveys so much more than Aunt Gina smiling at Alliya.  It's me - on my knees with gratitude - beaming up at my source of Divine Providence and Consolation... my hands around her waist and her hands on my shoulders.  

I love that she's in Blessed Mother blue to boot.  

:)

Last night, we celebrated the wedding of our cousin, Ryan. 

Something really, really special happened out of no place, and my heart is still incredibly grateful.

Vince and I were taking a rest from the dance floor when I heard the beginning chords of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" by Elvis.  

I thought it'd be nice to scoop Vince into my arms for a slow dance.  As we began rocking to the music, I felt John come up and put his arms around us.

Instantly, I had this inner yearning for him to be dancing with Myla.  I was struck with missing her fiercely.  I should be dancing with Vince, and he should be dancing with Myla.  

Suddenly, as if on cue, our niece, Alliya, tugged on my dress and said, "Here you go."

She held in her hands a perfect, pink rose.  

I took it from her and handed it to Vincent.  Immediately he began kissing it over and over and over again.  

Just when I began grieving being unable to physically hold her in my arms, Heaven sent me a rose in the vein of Myla's namesake, St. Therese, who is still known to shower these flowers to those who ask for her intercession.  

I clutched Vincent to myself and felt the tears of gratitude spill.  Vince kept that rose with him for the rest of the night.  He fell asleep with it on the way home.  When I finally tucked him away in bed, he wanted to make sure that "his flower" was safe in water.  We put it in front of the Blessed Mother statue on his dresser. 

What a blessed gift when I needed it so.

Thank you, God, for giving me these little kisses from my daughter.  Myla Therese, you be extra sweet to Sister Therese for me, okay?  One day I'll return all of these kisses a thousandfold.  I love you, sweetie.  

Today was Nanny's funeral.  She passed away last week surrounded by her children.

God is good in that He allowed her to let go while holding the hands of those who loved her so much.  

She is at peace.  

Throughout my vigils while she was in the hospital or in hospice care, I would pray with her.  I'd say, "Nanny, offer up everything as Purgatory on earth.  This way, when you see Jesus come for you, you can fly right to Him.  You fly RIGHT TO HIM."

She opened her eyes at one point and I knew that she understood.  As the priest said today at her funeral, Nanny's path to Heaven was well-worn with prayer.  She knew Jesus and no doubt offered up her last moments in union with Him.  I really believe she went straight to Heaven as a result.  

The funeral was held at St. Edmond's again - just like Uncle Billy's.  Nanny, too, was lucky to have her final Mass said in such a beautiful church.

I was asked to do the 2nd Reading and General Intercessions.  You folks know I don't like going into the sanctuary for any reason (so I gave up duties as a lector), but I didn't want to turn down my mother-in-law when she asked.  I willingly offered myself for any and all roles they wanted me to handle.  One less thing on their plate to worry about...

The reading was fine.  The funeral intercessions always give me a tough time because they focus heavily on the grieving family.  I had to read them at my own Grandmom's funeral, and I remember faltering over words because I was trying to contain my tears.  Today, I fought the same battle, especially when I read the intercession to pray for those who passed before Nanny and who welcomed her into Heaven.  

I thought of Myla, and I knew Nanny had gotten to meet her.  

As I made my way back to my seat, I asked Nanny to hold her and kiss her for me.  Nanny responded by sending me a tiny white carnation at Communion.

After I received the Eucharist, I turned to walk back to my seat when I saw this small white flower on the sanctuary floor.  I knew it was mine.  It was as if I recognized my wallet or saw my purse hanging off the back of a chair.  Instantly I stooped down - without thinking - to pick up my flower.  

As soon as I held it, I realized it was from Nanny.  I believe it was her way of letting me know she'd heard my prayer.  She sent me my favorite flower - a carnation - in pure white, a sign of innocence.  And given how tiny it was, I knew it was for Myla.

I must've thanked God for this favor a million times.  I was so appreciative of this gesture of love.

I was holding John's hand, so I slipped the tiny bud between our intertwined fingers.  This is what it looked like:

See how tiny it is in comparison to our hands?  This tiny bloom of life briefly held, again, between the two of us.  It was just very, very special to me.  

God is so good to us, and for no other reason than love.  

<3

Rest in peace, Nanny.  We love you.