Lily's stone arrived at my house this past Friday. It was originally going to be shipped to the church in Virginia that is connected to the cemetery where Lily is buried. However, it was going to have to sit there for a few weeks since I live in North Carolina and won't be able to make it up there for a while. I was really concerned that her stone might get stolen or vandalized just sitting out there. And I don't want that added stress to think about. So, I asked if there was any way they could deliver it to my house instead and then I can just drive it up there myself when I'm ready to place it (it's small enough that it's not too heavy or hard to move around). There is no place it is safer than right here with me. I was so happy when they said they could do that for the same shipping price!
I waited all week for it to be delivered. But, it wasn't until Thursday that they called to set up a delivery time. They asked if Friday between 1 and 5 p.m. would work (somebody had to sign off on it). I said yes because I didn't want to wait any longer! But, unfortunately, I had to work during those hours. So, my mom was at home waiting to sign off on Lily's stone.
It was/is all packaged up really securely, so I was disappointed that I couldn't peek in to look at it right when I got home on Friday evening. Don't get me wrong though, I am thankful it was bundled up so snug and secure for the trip from Seattle.
This afternoon (Sunday, September 29), my dad opened up the packaging for me to see Lily's stone to make sure everything looked okay. I can't describe the emotions of sorrow, joy, and relief that flooded over me when I saw it for the first time in person. It is absolutely perfect and beautiful. It looks even more precious than in the photos. It is hard to tell how it really looks "size-wise" until seeing it in person. I couldn't keep the tears from falling, which is what I thought might happen. I had pictured what it would feel like when I finally saw it. Truly, I couldn't be more pleased with how everything about it turned out. There isn't a thing about it I would change. I was concerned that I might not be totally satisfied, but I am more than satisfied.
I wanted to place the stone this month, but things are too busy right now to make the trip to Virginia (it takes some planning and time since she's not buried right up the road). Next month, it will *finally* be placed, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. After over three and a half years of wanting and waiting. And after over half a year of planning it and having it made.
It will be such a beautiful time of year for it (in October with the pretty leaves and cooler temperatures) and how appropriate with it being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I can hardly wait to see it at her "special spot." I'm planning a special service with close friends and family to honor Lily and the placement of her stone.
Here is a sneak peek until I place it next month and can share many more photos!
How perfect! I LOVE the rose and lily touching :) It's is so beautiful. Please post lots of pictures of it being installed and then decorated with flowers! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to one day have a grave stone too. Sometimes it feels as if I'm the only one that wasn't able to buy it at the time of the funeral. It's really nice to know that there is someone else that had to wait and then to see you finally get it!