My Mom

Mom's viewing last night went very well.  After the initial shock of seeing mom in the casket, and the tears that accompany such a shock, we realized what a great job the funeral home did on making mom look herself.  (I think THEY did a better job on her hair than SHE usually does... sorry mom, you couldn't see how good you looked.... or maybe you could...)

We had around 150-200 friends and family come by to greet and share with us in the celebration of mom's homecoming.  What a tiring, yet great evening.  I saw some friends I haven't seen since high school and college.  I was so proud of dad's strength and stamina.  It wasn't until he got home he realized how tired he was....  There were pretty flowers all around, and numerous gifts designated to the hospice house.  We thank you all for sharing your love and support for our family.

We woke up to single digit weather this morning, however, the sun was shining.... that's half the battle, right?  We had another great time with many showing up for the funeral.  Pastor Don Garvey did a masterful job of sharing some of our memories of mom, discussing one of mom's favorite scriptures -- Psalms 91 -- and giving the people a little insight to the life mom lead.... an incredible example of a Godly woman, who loved the Lord, was not a hypocrite, and knew her priorites in life... God and her family.  Our oldest brother, Dennis, did a nice job of walking everybody through some of the Steen family history and a few good memories.

She was remembered for her quick laugh, sense of humor, and friendly smile.  She was always concerned for others over herself.  She loved to cook and clean.  Her favorite Bible verse was "cleanliness is next to Godliness".... who woulda thought that was not really a verse in the Bible?

Raising four boys was not an easy chore, but she did it with grace and .... okay, it was done mainly with a lot of tears... who are we trying to kid here....  but she did it.

The hardest part of the day was when we four boys rolled that casket out to the hearst..... it was such a sense of finality as we lifted it up and slid it into that vehicle.  The tears flowed and we had a brotherly bonding time of hugging and crying as we said "bye" to our mom for the last time.

We shared some great food and fellowship and then dad and us four boys went out by ourselves to the grave site to make sure everything was in order, and mom was placed in the right spot.  (He didn't want her on his side :)  All was well and we said our final goodbye... once again. 

The incredible show of support and love for our family continued at the house for 5-6 more hours until we finally became quiet and we had a chance to feel how tired we were.  Thus ends a day we will never forget, and will never want to forget.  It was a great day of honoring an incredible woman... my mom.  I love you mom and always will.  See you soon.