bittersweet sympathy

Today was my uncle's funeral, and I am so glad I was able to go. I actually really like funerals, because in my experience they are a celebration of life, and today's case was no different. It was a really good, really bittersweet day.

I was so honored to be asked to represent all of the nieces and nephews in creating a wreath for the funeral. My uncle was a farmer by profession in Delta, UT, and I wanted the wreath to be an expression of that part of him. I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out; it was a wonderful and special experience to be able to do this for him both in honor of his life and in reverence for his fight with cancer.

So, let me now share some photos of the design with you. These photos are so fantastic - a true treasure! Thank you's beyond measure to my friend and photographer-neighbor,

Jamen Long,

for sharing your camera, your talent, and your time with me in helping to capture this special piece in the way it deserved to be captured. Ah, my family and I cannot thank you enough! Also, thank you to the sweet man who let us use his home as the perfect backdrop for the photos. Perfection. Enjoy.

each element represented a specific thing from the farm: wheat (wheat), seeded eucalyptus (alfalfa seed), sunset safari (ears of corn), spray roses (his nickname was "Tex," so the roses were used as the "yellow rose of Texas" in honor of nickname), bear grass (hay), salal (freshness of life), thistle (beauty of the farm and country)