Forever at Firefly Hill

As most of you know, Derek’s mother passed away last week of a brain aneurysm hemorrhage. She was only 53. I’ve had a lot of time to think the past few days, and I knew I needed to take a little break from the blog. Then the more I thought about it, Candee was my biggest fan, so I decided to return to the blog world and share my feelings with you.

Where to start? I am absolutely heartbroken and can feel it physically for myself, for Derek, for my niece, for our future children, for all the Greys and all the Turners, and for all others who knew and loved this wonderful woman. Many wives don’t get along with their mothers-in-law. I didn’t have that problem. I was so extremely lucky to have the perfect mother-in-law. If there was a fault to be found, it would only be that she loved us all too much.

We laid Candee’s memory to rest at Eagle Lake on Thursday. It was her favorite place on earth, and she nicknamed it Firefly Hill. It was amazing how the name never really caught on until we were up there last week and saw an unbelievable number of fireflies floating around. They were everywhere, and I’d like to think it was her spirit letting us know she was happy now and would always be there.

I’m sad for my children that they will never know their Grandee. They’ll only hear stories and see pictures, and we’ll try to do her justice. I’m sad for Ryan Hadley, that even though she’s two, she likely won’t remember her.

I’m happy that we had a great family vacation to Dauphin Island only weeks ago. It was very special, and I don’t think any of us would have traded it for the world. I’m happy that she ended every conversation with, “I love you.” There was never a doubt. I’m happy that I knew her for six wonderful years. It just wasn’t long enough.

Like Uncle Rusty said, I’m looking forward to the day when the mention of her brings a smile to my face rather than a tear to my eye. That day will come.

I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for your thoughts, prayers and kindness this past week as we trudge through this. We’ve felt the support more than you’ll ever know. It’s been overwhelming. We have wonderful extended family and friends, and we love you all.

So, Candee, may you rest in peace on your Firefly Hill. We know it’s where you want to be.

I wanted to end with this special tribute from Yore Country Store on the way to the lake house. I can see her smiling and clapping with joy as she always did just reading it. She was a special lady.