As family and friends gathered in the limos and vehicles, a great rumble started on the other side of the Chapel as each of us started up our motorcycles. Mom passed by in the hearse, followed by the limos. Dad, Mike VanHoogmoed, Rick Holt, Bill Pitman and myself provided a much deserved escort to the Church. What joy we felt as we rumbled down the street.

An overwhelming feeling of joy came over me as we processed in the Church. There were so many people who came to pay their respects to mom. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I looked to see every pew filled. Mom surely touch many lives during her short stay here on earth. What a great honor it has been to have her as MY mom. We have all been praying so hard for her. Those prayers were not in vain. We gave her an express ticket to Heaven. Now, she will looking down upon us to see that each of us gets to Heaven with her.

Today's funeral Mass reminded me of Easter Sunday. The was Church filled, and everyone participated in song and prayer. Not too many funerals are like that. You would think that she was a celebrity. Five priests celebrated the Mass. What a great tribute to mom.  I thank everyone who came to the rosary last night, the funeral this morning, and the reception. Dominic put together a beautiful video to commemorate mom's blessings and joys in life. Please enjoy this video and pass it to all your friends and family.

With sincerest gratitude, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your love with my mom and family. If we can take one thing from this experience today, I hope it's this: when we open our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we let God enter.