We were up early, like around 5:30am Oklahoma time which is 4:30am Colorado time. After coffee and getting ready for the day, we went for a drive before heading out to May (the little town where Dix grew up) and the cemetery.
We made it there a little before 11. Lori read some nice words she wrote off her phone about her mom and then I placed the burl wood box with her and Don’s ashes in the hole we had Darla dig for us. Everyone threw a little dirt on it and then we all walked around the cemetery looking at all the other relatives. As they said in one of my favorite John Wayne movies, True Grit, I think it’s comforting to know where one will spend the rest of the days. Dix, looking ahead, had bought her own headstone so it was in place and looking good.
After a bit, we drove past the remnants of the old homestead or farmhouse. Not much left except a windmill that was still spinning away. We then drove into town and found this lady’s house whose daughter (Darla) dug the hole at the cemetery. We gave her a hundred dollar bill to give to her daughter, who must be in her 60’s. The little town is pretty much a ghost town, but we still found Lori’s grandma’s house. Fun time for her.
Later around 5pm, we took everyone to dinner, all 17 of us. It was a great restaurant run by an Italian who used to have a place in Dallas. Food was great and he’s now buying our wine for his two restaurants in town. After dinner and lots of visiting, we hung out at the hotel. We’re up at 5am (4am Colorado time) and will be on the road shortly.
What a great mini, fast, road trip. Dixie would have loved it. Hope to be home by 3 or so, this afternoon. Great closure for Lori and for the entire Liest family. Happy we made the trip.
God Bless. Pictures tomorrow.