A Week

Dear Red Buffalo,

It's been a week since you left this Earth. It seems like forever since I've talked to you while simultaneously seeming like just yesterday that we were all gathered around your bedside loving on you and giving you permission to leave us.

How do people do this?

This is hard.

I hope you saw us on the day we laid your body to rest. It was a beautiful day and everything was perfect. Not too long, not too much. Just right. We were all there...even both of your sisters. John Bryant talked about how you hated the food in Israel (specifically St. Peter's fish WITH the tail and eyeballs). Trell was sweet with Momma. The flowers on your casket were all tropical and gorgeous. Momma ordered it special for you. We dropped flowers on your casket before it was covered. Many of the flowers were camellias from  your yard.

Before you made it to Woodlawn, Momma, Cindra, Merrilyn and I visited you at the funeral home just to make sure you were taken care of  to our liking. (Surprise, huh?) You were looking very dapper in your navy and white. Momma gave you a whistle so you could call for her if you needed her and I put in your headdress. What a sight you must be in heaven with both a whistle and a headdress! Oh, Mom also showed me the mini screwdriver attached to the whistle, "In case he needs to get out of there" (the casket). You would've rolled your eyes.

Daddy, I miss you. I still need you in so many ways. I've asked you before and I'll ask again. Please stay with me!

Your Baby,
Mountain Flower 

Hardest Day Of My Life

Dear Red Buffalo,
Even though you are not here on Earth with us anymore, you have a permanent (and quite massive) place in my heart. Thank you for taking me camping and passing on your love of plants, animals and nature. Thank you for teaching me how to swim, dive, ride a bike, mow a lawn, drive, shop a flea market, take care of my pets and about a million other things. There was never a dull moment living life with you! From the flea market and boxing days to the landscape, Fun Time, Big Wheel and Save the Cats days...you've done it all and we've been right there with you on your adventures. You were a great man with a strong faith who impacted many lives. To say I am proud to be your daughter is an understatement. I have inherited so many wonderful traits from you including my sense of humor, determination, work ethic, compassion, out-of-the-box thinking, discernment and spirit of bold independence. I am so very thankful for the 48 years I had with you. Thank you for your commitment to our family and for always expressing your love. Thank you for always taking an interest in my life and for being so supportive of me and everything I've done. You have always been my hero and I hope to live my life to make you proud. Please talk me up in heaven so I can see you again some day. I may be on shaky ground with the big guy. I love you Daddy. Always.
Your Baby,
Crista Lugene (AKA Mountain Flower)

P.S.- Thank you for naming me. Twice.