I’m just one of many people who loved Alice. She was kind–always. She was my friend, but, then, she was a friend to all she met.

Alice’s memorial service was yesterday. Even knowing she was ready, I was saddened by the thought of a goodbye. I drove into the parking lot, saw how full it was, and pulled back out. Not that I’ve ever looked forward to funerals, but I haven’t been very good with them since my dad’s almost three years ago. I figured, there are so many people there, I’ll not be missed. But as I drove out, I could tell I needed to be there. I drove around the block and came back, entering the church right as it was time to begin and sitting at the back.

Besides sharing a church and loving several of the same people due to that affiliation, Alice and I had a couple other strong connections that bound us together–Chelsea and Ashley, her granddaughters. Both had been in classes with me at Cowley College, and they were and are remarkable young women. Alice and I spoke of them almost weekly for years. She was so proud of the women they are. I don’t mean things like education and jobs, although those were always quite good as well. I mean, who they are…inside.

Chelsea and Ashley did Alice proud in front of a full congregation yesterday by speaking about who she was and how they loved her. She was a major part of who these women became in life–strong, intelligent and compassionate. I can only hope they realize how much they added to her life, too. That truth was evident in every word Alice spoke of them.

Am I glad I went? Oh, yes, I am. Mostly, however, I’m glad to have hugged and been hugged in return by Chelsea and Ashley. I could feel Alice’s smile upon us in those brief moments of connection.

Alice, you are in your well-deserved Wonderland now, and I can just imagine the joy that met you there.