"Tonight, Heaven gained a most humble, gentle, and precious angel.  Our Pops went Home.  We are heartbroken and so deeply sad.  We are also filled with JOY as we imagine the welcome he received from Nonnie.  I'm sure they danced together as she showed him the way to Jesus.  They are holding hands, no doubt, wading in the ocean waves and enjoying the view of the Great Smokey Mountains from above.  And I'm also pretty sure Pops told Nonnie alllll about our sweet Millie Janalee and the newest great-grandbaby on the way.  What a reunion it must've been!  Please keep our family in your prayers as we grieve and feel this empty hole..."

Those were the words on my Facebook status on the night of April 9.  It was a heartbreaking night filled with tears, sobs at times, and lots of phone calls and silence.  It was a night that we knew would come sooner than we wanted, and it was a night angels rejoiced I'm sure.  April 9 was the night that my Pops was no more a part of this earthly, sinful world.  He was experiencing the glory that is before all of us as believers.  We didn't feel like celebrating...although, deep in our hearts we were.  We were celebrating Pops' reunion with Nonnie, him seeing our Father face to face, and the healed and renewed body he now has.

It was a blessing.  But, it's still hard.  Very hard.

There were a couple of main things that helped us through a tender goodbye.  One of those were our dear, sweet, precious friends.  I don't know if you've ever had a family funeral hours away from home.  All our family is from the Jackson area, so our family funerals are there.  We've only had one that I remember well at all, and that was a few short years ago when my Nonnie passed away.  But, when you are mourning the loss of a cherished and special family member and grieving terribly, there is just something so incredibly touching about the bear hug and eye contact of a familiar face.  My grandparents have touched lives throughout their years, and the funeral home was filled with those men and women, high school friends, coworkers, church members.  It means so much to see those people honor Pops and paying their respects.  Many times, we forget that funerals are not for the deceased.  They are too busy celebrating and praising God with the angels!  Funerals are for the loved ones left behind.  For my immediate family, I can tell you that seeing those familiar faces from "home" and those lifelong friends from near and far helped us through this tender goodbye.

Maw Maw's best friend with Millie Janalee

My parents have been there for SO many.  Too many to count.  They have hugged, comforted, cried alongside, been there for crisis, stayed at the hospital for endless hours (in and out of town), and buried so many dear friends and even the families of those friends.  Not because my dad is a pastor.  Because he and my mom love people.  He doesn't minister as a part of his job...they minister to people because they love people.  As a daughter, it was beyond special to see so many give my parents a turn to be comforted.  Not by a small statement emailed, texted, or messaged.  Although those are special too.  But comforted with an actual hug, touch, and even some tears.  Half the staff/ministers from our hometown church traveled the long distance to reach out to each and every one of us.  They even sought me out in the corner rocking a sleeping baby hiding my heavy heart behind the stuffed animal giraffe and open-mouthed babe.  One of them traveled the four hours after an all-night lock-in with the youth...with absolutely no sleep.  One of them traveled the distance alone just to speak to us and turn right around to go back home so she could return before dark.  Others hugged us, visited with us, and gave us a taste of comfort in being "home" with them.  The always faithful group was there from 1:30 until after the 3:00 funeral...just to be there for us.  A mother and her daughter stopped by on their way to visit seminary in New Orleans.  Several who wanted desperately to be there were out of town.  Some who couldn't travel the distance sent plants or floral arrangements.  Please know those kind acts are remembered.  I can name their names right now, and I can tell you that we all went from plant to plant reading the cards.  Even the special friends we have who live in town made arrangements to be there, and it meant so much.  Leaving a once-a-year event to celebrate Pops' life with us...even all the way to the cemetery.

Millie Janalee, Clancy, Aunt Patsy, and Karen

Let me say that these precious acts of comfort will always be remembered.  Just as I remember them from my Nonnie's funeral.  It is during times like these that you see the real in people.  The "I'll drop everything and be there for you" in people.  True and lifelong friendships and relationships.  People who you can count on to be there for you...not just in the fun times...but in the hardest of times.  Those are the people I want to surround myself with.  And that is the kind of person I want to be!  Everytime one of these sweet friends touch my life, I am reminded of how I have failed in the "friendship department" so many times.  I want to be better.  I want to be there when it counts.  Not just when it's fun.

Thank you, dear friends!  Thank you for helping us through this tender goodbye!  Thank you for the hugs and tears shed for all of us, but especially for my Mama as she said goodbye to the last parent she had on this earth.  Thank you for the beautiful plants or flowers sent to the funeral home.  They are placed beautifully over Pops' grave now.  We drove by the following day just to be sure.  The plants have been dispersed among our family as a little "pick-me-up" for the coming days.  Thank you for not underestimating the power of being there!

Russ, me, Jack, Clancy, Dustin, Kristin, and Lee

If you know anything about this family, you know that we can laugh through the tears and love through the hurt.  One of the biggest things that help us through a tender goodbye is memories.  Memories.  Something our family works daily to create!  After the intimate graveside service, all the grandchildren pulled out some of Pops' prized caps.  There is no telling how many of these he owned over the years.  Dustin inherited most all of them, and he shared them with us for this occasion.  I am certain that Pops and Nonnie were smiling down on us with JOY-filled eyes as they see us trying to make a memory to honor the memories.

When we are gone from this earth, the only thing we leave behind is our legacy and our memories.  Nonnie and Pops were #1 in creating and making memories...purposefully or not!  I challenge you to sit with my Mama for an hour and let her talk to you non-stop about family vacations and daily life.  She will not finish, and you will be sore from laughter.  Priceless.  I pray that Russ and I create and leave behind these sweet memories for Millie Janalee one day.  I pray that she learn how to laugh through her tears and love through her hurt.  I pray that she, like my Nonnie and Pops, is joyful always!

"yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3:18

Pops, described as "the greatest man I know" by my Daddy during the funeral, left another precious memory that leaves a lasting impact on us all.  Pops left the memory of unfailing, unconditional, and a rare love for his wife and his family.  Pops heart has been in Heaven since my Nonnie left us.  He has been so lonely.  As a child, I never remember a time when Nonnie and Pops weren't holding hands, kissing, laughing together, or making inside jokes.  They slept in the "spooning" position with Pops' arm wrapped around Nonnie.  Pops sat next to Nonnie and held her hand non-stop the last week of her life.  They had been reunited after a long time of separation due to Nonnie's health.  Nonnie only lived a week before she passed.  Almost as if she was waiting on him before she left.  Click here to read about Nonnie's passing.

Daddy, Mama, Millie Janalee, Uncle Howard, and Aunt Patsy

Pops was a meek, precious, dedicated, loving, strong man.  He was a loving husband who I never saw scold or talk down to Nonnie.  He was a special Daddy who loved his children.  He was a fun and precious grandfather who was there for every school play, dance recital, church program, awards night, and grandparent's lunch in school.  He and Nonnie didn't miss a single thing that any of their four grandchildren were a part of.  They were there with camera and video camera in hand.  Our whole lives are on tape.  Even though we lived four hours away!  They were both present until they were moved into assisted living when Nonnie's Alzheimer's became too severe.  And after that, Pops was there.  He came alone to things when he could...Mother's Day, weddings, etc.  Nonnie and Pops (and my dad's parents too!) taught us how to be there for family.  Convenience doesn't matter, because family is what counts.  I am so thankful for the memories we have because they were there.

Because of the life Nonnie and Pops led, and the memories they made, our family is very close.  We are there for each other when at all possible.  We drop what we're doing to be there.  My Mama and Uncle Howard are the epitome of being there.  They are there for us, and they have been there for Millie Janalee.  Distance never matters...even when there are good and solid reasons why they shouldn't travel.  We are there for each other if humanly possible, because Nonnie and Pops taught us that family means being there for each other no matter what.  I am so thankful for these lessons!  Because of these life lessons, Millie Janalee will have a better life...full of memories and family! 

Thank you, Pops, for the legacy you left for us and the generations that come after us!  Thank you for loving us and hanging on as long as your weary body could!  Thank you for your life! 

And thank you for helping us through a tender, temporary goodbye. 

Easter Afterglow

We spent an extra night at my parents' house after Easter to enjoy more family time.  Russ made a visit to the local hospital radiology department while I stayed with Millie Janalee to make sure she was fed, bathed, and took a nap.  When she woke up, it was time to pack up and drive over to Russ's parents' home for an all day visit.

It's always fun visiting Russ's parents for many reasons.  One of those is we never know who we will get to see.  I think they have a revolving door for family and friends!  Ha!  Aunt Jenny came over to play for a while early in the day.  Millie Janalee was in such a good mood, and I was so glad.  The last couple of times Aunt Jenny had seen her, she wasn't in the happiest mood.  Which is rare.  So, we played and played on Granmomma's bed.  Granmomma hasn't been feeling well, so it was good to see her in such good spirits during our visit.

Aunt Jenny and Millie Janalee

Fun with the mirror

Granmomma and Millie Janalee

Aunt Jenny had to go study for a test, so we all said goodbye!

I didn't get a single picture of our next visitor.  Russ's Aunt Julie came and spent most of the day with us.  Millie Janalee had so much fun playing with her Granmomma and Granmomma's sister.  Russ and I left them in the bedroom to play and have some quality time.  Aunt Julie would get Millie Janalee just about to sleep when Millie Janalee would stiffen up and realize she might miss out on something.  Ha!  Such a social butterfly!

Aunt Julie had some errands to run, so she said her goodbyes after Millie Janalee took a short nap.  The rest of our afternoon welcomed more visitors!  Our nephew, Will, and his fiance, Elle, always stop by when we are at Granmomma and Pop's house.  They love Millie Janalee!   Millie Janalee wasn't well-rested, so we were working pretty hard to entertain her.  I spotted bubbles sitting on the stairway and suggested we go outside to blow them.

Millie Janalee and her Daddy blowing bubbles...notice that Easter egg in hand.

She wanted to touch them.

Once she got bored with our puny little bubbles, Will had a great idea.  He got busy making his own bubbles and wand from a cookie sheet and wire hanger.  Next thing we know, he's blowing gigantic bubbles!  Elle's mom and little sister came by just at the right time.  Mackenzie loved making bubbles too! 

Will, Elle, and Millie Janalee

Best bubble blower yet!

Mackenzie, Millie Janalee, and Elle

When Pop got home, we left him with Granmomma and took a stroll around the block a few times.  Millie Janalee loved strolling in her new umbrella stroller.  I bought this a while back at Walmart (my least favorite store around).  When I got ready to put it together, I noticed it only had one wheel!  Augh!  So...we couldn't use it until I mustered up the energy to return it and get another one.  I finally did...just in time!

Happy baby!  With egg in hand.  Ha!

We finished up our visit with Mexican take-out and more visiting with Pop, Granmomma, Elle, and Aunt Jenny.  Seth and his girlfriend stopped by too.  The Easter afterglow was filled with fun and quite relaxing.

Now, we're back to reality.  And thankful for the beautiful weather that has finally come our way! 

Annual Smith Egg Hunt

For those of you who are new to the blog, let me catch you up on our Annual Smith Easter Egg Hunt.  Once upon a time, my sister, brother, and I dyed Easter eggs.  The Easter bunny hid them around our house, and we searched for them before church with rollers in our hair.  Then, we searched for them after church.  Over time, our hard-boiled dyed eggs turned into the plastic eggs.  They may have held candy.  I can't really remember.  Once we were a little older, we were surprised to find that the Easter bunny started leaving nickels, dimes, and quarters in the Easter eggs.  This made our hunt just a little more competitive.  Fast forward fifteen or so years, and you have what has evolved into the greatest competition this family has...complete with uniforms.  Call it what you will...paying the bills, buying new clothes, saving for another baby, or repaying school loans and credit cards.  Whatever it is...it's serious!  And it's all about five grown adults racing around the yard with pastel colored Easter baskets searching for Easter eggs.  Some wear cleats.  Others...well, you'll see in a little bit.  Ha!

Egg Hunts 2010, 2011, 2012

To participate in the Annual Smith Easter Egg Hunt, you must be a Smith.  Not just a pretend "I'm dating you" kind of Smith.  A for real, legal Smith.  Therefore, Russ and Lee had to wait their turn to enter the hunt.  And, if you know how long Kristin and I dated these boys, you realize just how long they waited.  Forever!  Long enough for Lee to come up with his own winning strategy.  Ha!  Dustin is still on his own.  But for some reason, my mama lets him hunt with whatever basket or bag he wants.  Because "he doesn't have a partner in crime."  Whatever!  We'll just call him Jep on Duck Dynasty.  Always the favorite.

Sheila joined us for Easter this year, and since she isn't legal yet...she couldn't hunt.  The Easter bunny recruited her to help hide the eggs.  Outside.  Now, please note that it has rained here in North Mississippi for weeks.  It rained Easter Sunday.  The backyard was muddy!  Do you see those tire tracks running through the yard?  Yep.  That was because my dad rode my mama around on the four-wheeler to hide the eggs so she wouldn't get too muddy.

And, since Dr. Russ didn't bring the appropriate mud shoes, he decided the best option was barefoot.  He came completely unprepared, you may notice.  No uniform either!  He refused to let me buy him a green shirt and paint on it, so I settled for his green tee.  And bare feet.  [Sigh.]

Once all the eggs were hidden...all 269 of them...it was time for the Annual Smith Easter Egg Hunt to commence.  But, not before the traditional group photo.  This is where "unofficial" Smiths can participate.  Ha!  We took our legal Smith photo, and then we invited Sheila to join us.  That's just how we roll.  You've gotta be okay with it to make it in this family.  Sheila's a good sport!

Game faces on!

I had many people ask me what we would do about our egg hunt now that Millie Janalee is here.  My response was simple..."Someone will have to hold her."  Ha!  She can have her own special egg hunt when she's able to find eggs.  In the front yard.  The back yard?  It's OURS!

On your mark.  Get set...

Daddy carried Millie Janalee in her exersaucer out to the deck to watch the chaos.  We made fair warning to all hunters to WALK on the deck so no one accidentally ran into the innocent baby bystander.  Millie Janalee thought it was so funny to see us all lined up with our baskets elbowing the person next to us making sure they didn't start before us.  She clapped and cheered from her little spot.  This may be our first mistake.  Getting distracted.

Notice how Russ and I are distracted by that cute clapping baby, and everyone else is looking for the eggs.

When the Easter bunny says, "GO!" you better move out of the way!  Siblngs scatter, slip, and leap into action!  Kristin and I scoured the deck while the boys made their way through the mud and grass first.  A strategy that seemed smart, to me, at the time.

Kristin

Nothing proper about this hunt...climb where you will!

Lee

Dustin and Russ

It doesn't take long for the racing and scurrying around to slow.  Once the obvious eggs have been found, it is time for all hunters to begin the meticulous search deep in bushes, behind fence posts, and under rocks. 

Searching the flower bed

Taking another look over

It was at this point that I looked up for the first time.  Only to find that everyone else's baskets were overflowing.  Then, I looked down at mine.  How in the world did this happen?  It's never happened before.  My mama told me after she saw my basket, "I knew you would be in trouble, because I knew you would be careful."  Hmm...

Behind this bush is true partnership.  Ha!  Russ felt sorry for me and gave me two of his eggs.

When we all search through the yard with our fine toothed comb and find no more eggs, it is time to start the count.  This gives the Easter bunny a chance to see if, indeed, all the eggs have been recovered.  And they had!  On the first try.  That's gotta be a record for us!

Russ's muddy feet with his basket

All falls silent as the counting, opening, and retrieving the egg contents begins.  Calculators come out, stacks are made, and whispering is all you hear.  No one reveals their final numbers until all the results are in.

Kristin starting her count

Dustin with his gigantic basket.  The favorite.

Notice the concentration on Russ's face.

Lee never said a word.  He just sat in his little corner counting away.

While the hunters continue the competitive counting of the eggs and money, the spectators spend time laughing and talking about what they saw.  Which I'm sure is always ridiculous!  Ha!  Millie Janalee found her own little egg and was content to play in Paw Paw's lap.

The temperature was certainly not warm.  Rain or shine, warm or cold...the egg hunt is on!  My 86 year old grandmother adapts to the conditions well.  Easter Sunday...almost April...and she's bundled up in her marshmallow coat, scarf, and surrounded by an afghan.

Maw Maw

One by one, the hunters approach Mama to write down their total egg count and money calculation.  No one dare voice their totals for fear they will be heard.  When all the totals have been recorded, it is time for Mama to read the results to the group.

The egg count is as follows...

Dustin won the egg count AND the money total.  He was crowned victorious once again regaining his title and crown.  As we all cheered, he raised his hands for his victory speech...

"I just wanna thank God..."

Dustin was feeling good and on Cloud Nine, I suppose, as he walked over to Millie Janalee.  He shared a little of his findings telling her, "There's plenty to share."  Ha!  She wasn't real sure what to think about this.  I was secretly hoping he would share with us all, but it turns out he even took that two dollar bill back from Millie Janalee.  Poor baby niece!  Ha!

"So this is what all the fuss was about..."

We started putting all the eggs back into the giant basket, and Mama realized she had some muddy eggs to clean.  Then we all looked down and realized...we had some feet to clean before going inside.

It was a memorable hunt full of FUN, excitement, competition, and MEMORIES!  That's the way we like it around here.  Millie Janalee didn't get to hunt eggs this year, and she was distraught about it...

She loves a plastic egg.  Especially the bright shiny ones.  I think everywhere we visited over the month, we ended up leaving with an egg Millie Janalee got attached to.  We have generous friends to let us take their eggs.  Ha!  Next year, I'm sure we will start making egg hunt memories with our sweet girl!  Because, just as I was raised, I want fun family memories to be a huge part of my own little family!  Thanks to the intentional planning of my parents, we always have time for a family memory.  It doesn't have to be a vacation...or even cost money.  Just be intentional and fun!  Memories will follow!

The rest of our evening consisted of naps, family time, basketball, and ended with a family viewing of The Bible before everyone parted ways for the night.  Oh yeah!  There was a good bit of playtime on the floor too!  With our new baby doll, cups, and of course Easter eggs!

Happy Easter from our crazy bunch to yours!