Wednesday, November 18, 2009

People Are AMAZING

There were so many amazing and thoughtful things people did for Amber and Gary in memory of Gracie. Here's mentioning just a few: The casket was made and donated by a sweet couple in Southern Utah, Merlin & Stacy Figgins. They've never met our family but when they heard the story on the news they offered to donate a casket to give Grace a beautiful place to rest. I promise you this picture does not do it justice! It's beyond gorgeous. It was lined with beautiful white silk and the daintiest purple flowers pressed here and there. Even the funeral director commented on what a well made, beautiful casket it was. I hope one day to meet this amazing couple who perform such a labor of love.
This quilt was put together by the neighbors and ward members. Each family made up their own quilt block and then ladies from the neighborhood spent countless hours putting it together. When the stake presidents wife went to Sew & Save to buy the material she was asked what it was for. When she told them the story the store offered to stay open late the next day and quilt it all for free. It is such an sweet keepsake.
Cindy Woodward who's husband is on the City Council called and offered to buy all the girls dresses for the funeral. This picture is only of Livie and Lucy but Annie's and Eliza's were just as beautiful. They gave them each a beautiful dress, shoes, tights, hair pieces and little golden lockets to put Grace's picture in. When they stopped by the house to give them to the Hills I could tell they were apprehensive about coming in. I know they didn't want any credit for getting them and they just wanted to drop them off and be gone. We insisted they come in for a minute. As soon as the girls saw the dresses they were so excited. Their eyes lit up and they each took them proudly to their various bedrooms. They couldn't have been more excited!
This beautiful statue of Christ was given to them by some friends and neighbors. It's so gorgeous and will be displayed proudly in their home. People are so kind. So many other countless things were done for them and given to them. Bracelets for Amber and the girls to help them always have a sweet reminder of Grace. Gary even got a tie pin. Tile plaques, books, dinners, desserts, cleaning, organizing, visiting, nursery's donated a couple of trees to them, flowers, plants, money, emails, cards...I could go on and on. What an amazing outpouring of love. This is such a tribute to the kind of people Amber and Gary are. I have to agree and I feel fortunate to be a part of their lives.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ape, thanks for posting this beautiful tribute to Grace. I know what an amazing family you have. Know there is love and prayers coming from Idaho. Please give Amber and her family our love. Much love, Dana