Two Hearts

The funeral director had told us that sometimes folks like to put something in the casket.  Somehow, we came up with the idea of the two hearts that the kids put in Steve’s birthday bear.  We didn’t want to cut into the bear, though, so Brandon went to the mall first thing this morning after taking the kids to school.  He asked if he could buy just the two hearts, and, it turns out, they really aren’t allowed to let folks take the hearts individually at all (because they can be a choking hazard, or something).  But he explained the situation, promised that they would never be held by small children, and told the whole story about Steve’s bear and the two hearts.  The staff were moved, and just gave him the hearts without a second thought.  I’m so thankful Brandon was able to do that for us.  I spent much of the day working with photos, mine and Sue’s and Rosemary’s and even the ones I’d scanned at Grandmother’s, choosing ones for the memorial website, his obituary, etc.  I loved this one from his and Sue’s wedding day, since he looks so happy.