Brynlee's Day - part 2

Soon each car filed onto the road and followed each other to the church for Brynlee's services.  When we arrived, Randy and my dad took Brynlee in to the Relief Society Room.  I really didn't know what to expect as I had never been to nor planned anything like that (the services) before.  Plus, I was wondering how it would turn out since I gave such little direction at our "planning meeting" on Sunday.

Soon people started to arrive... and they kept coming!  I was amazed at all the people who showed up!  Soon the room was filled with friends from both the Plymouth and Waconia wards, co-workers, and friends.  Usually something like this would make me really uncomfortable, but I felt completely at ease.  I was happy and proud to show off my beautiful baby girl.  Randy and I later commented that it was like a sick kind of baby shower...we were happy and proud of our baby girl who was so tragically and unfairly taken from us.
Before I knew it, it was time for our program.  Because we had outgrown the size of the Relief Society room, we all filtered into the chapel.  Just like that, we had someone playing organ and someone directing music... things I realized I had never even considered, but was grateful for whoever thought to arrange it. We all sat down and our opening song was "I am a Child of God", followed by an opening prayer, Miranda and Bishops remarks, and finally closing prayer.  As I sat there, I couldn't help but think about all the people that were there to support our family.  I was very grateful that we could share such tender moments with some of our most dear friends.  It was then time to leave.  Randy and my dad walked Brynlee out and straight into the car.  The Relief Society had thought of everything and even had bagged lunches for each of us to eat on our way to Sacred Heart.  Again I was so grateful for people realizing what we needed before I even realized it myself.
It's about 1.5 hours from Waconia to Sacred Heart so as we drove, I tried to soak up the moment as I knew we didn't have long before our sweet Brynlee's body would be buried. I again didn't want to forget anything, so I dug out paper and a pen to try and remember and write down everything that was said during the program. 

When we got to the cemetery, everybody was already there.  The small, private graveside service consisted of a few remarks by Pastor Dale (who married Randy and I) and Bishop Pratt.  Kris then sang a song that we had chosen and Randy dedicated the grave.  After all was said and done, we all released balloons - all pink and 3 white for Randy, Logan and I.  It was such a neat thing to watch them catch the breeze and float up in the sky until they were no longer in sight.  I wondered where they'd end up and if Brynlee was able to see them.  I hope she could.  I felt like everything we were doing that day was not only for us, but for her.  I wanted it to be a sweet honor and remembrance of her.  And I think it all turned out perfectly.  The only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been to not have had to do it at all, and instead have a happy and healthy baby Brynlee in my arms...
 After we left the cemetary, we all went to my grandma's for a light dinner and to open cards. 
We then returned back to our own home back in the cities.  But not before visiting Brynlee's grave once more. By that time, the dirt was packed in and all that was left to signify our baby's spot was a name marker made by Kris, and the floral spray from her casket.  As we left for home, the sun was just starting to set.  The temperature was also starting to drop, and with it went my stomach.  I had stayed strong for a good majority of the day, but as we drove away, I started to feel sick as I thought about never being able to feel as physically near to my baby as I had been those past few days.  I hated to think of her body going into the cold ground, as winter was just around the corner.  I hated to think of moving on in my life here on earth without my baby girl.  All in all, I hated the circumstance and it made me sick.