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There haven't been any new posts for a few days as I've been in Tennessee with the family. First, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers and support and encouragement.

Thank you for the cards, calls, emails and texts. I felt your prayers and am so appreciative!

Thank you, Edward, for being willing to stay here with Elijah and be a 'single-parent' for four days. You will never know how grateful I am that I was able to focus on being there for the family while knowing Elijah was so well taken care of. I love you!

Thank you, Miss Debby, for working so hard on such a thoughtful gift that we could remember Nanny by.

Thank you, Dianne, for helping Ed with Elijah while I was gone. You will never know what that meant.

Thank you to my staff who covered everything and made sure the office ran smoothly. You all are the best!

I can honestly tell you this has been one of the hardest things I think I've ever had to go through. I spent so much of the time cleaning, helping, organizing, and being there with Poppy that it didn't really hit me until I got home. I never allowed myself to grieve. It's been hard tonight as I'm back home and back to 'normal' and yet things feel different.

I remember going through the house feeling like she would be around the next corner. And yet, on Saturday, as I was getting ready for the memorial service I heard birds chirping outside my window. Birds chirping in January. I know she's at peace. She's enjoying a mansion, streets of gold and angelic praises to the King. But her earthly home seemed so empty.

We gathered in the living room with the pastor sharing memories of her. She was our rock - the strength of our family and the sense of humor we all enjoyed. We laughed as we went down memory lane sorting through boxes of pictures. She kept everything, which makes going through the piles of things in the house an enormous task – and yet I am so thankful to have these things to remember her by; the things she kept that we gave – cards, pictures, letters. She treasured every keepsake – no matter how insignificant - and now these are the things we cherish as we hold on to her memory. Even though she's gone, we can sense her presence among us thanks to the endearing way she held on to her family. They have no earthly value but, to us, they are priceless heirlooms.

I sat in silence in poppy’s recliner and Cindy Lou is waiting. She kept staring at the door. As much as we were often annoyed by her incessant barking and her ill-tempered behavior, she has become an embodiment of Nanny's presence. She has become poppy’s sacred companion. Surely no one or thing will ever take Nanny's place after 55 years, but he finds comfort knowing he still has her to take care of – and it helps us knowing she’s watching out for him.

Saturday's service was special and hard all at the same time. It started as i sang "My Tribute"...

"To God be the glory, for the things He has done."

It was so appropriate of the life she lived.

It ended with the song "I'm Free". She's free from the shackles, free from the grief, free at last...

Nanny, you are home now. You are at peace. You are free at last. Nothing binds you. Nothing worries you. Nothing brings tears to your eyes. Whatever grievances were held here on earth have been washed away by the final redemption you have received upon meeting your Savior face to face. We knew you weren’t yourself these last few years, but no one could ever take your soul. You were bought by blood and born again and now you have received the ultimate healing. Oh how I pray your life, and even your death, will be a testimony of God’s redemption. We never saw healing take place on this earth, but we know your battle is over.

“Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall walk and not grow weary, they shall run and not grow faint. They will rise up with wings like eagles.” Soar nanny, soar.