Ashes to Ashes

I've had this writing on my mind for over a year now. It's been hard to write my thoughts because I so desire to do a perfect job. Alas, it may not be perfect, however, I want to get these words down. Here goes:

Last summer I went to visit my cousin, Ronda, in St. George.  Aunt June and Uncle Roy were headed that way and asked if I wanted to tag along. I'm a sucker for a free ride with dear family-friends, so of course I said "Yes".

The summer of 2011 I got a phone call. "Cori passed away." What? Cori is Ronda and Sonny's youngest daughter. She was merely 22 years old and I couldn't wrap my brain around the fact that she was gone.

My kids grew up playing with Lexi and Cori. For a time, I lived only 15 miles from Ronda and Sonny. Periodically we found our way to visit. And play they would. Every childhood game was enjoyed and argued and ruled and laughed at and shared.

Cori was a force to be reckoned with. She always had a strong will coupled with a great sense of humor. She was honorable, kind, strong and good - all wrapped in a dang pretty package.

While visiting Ronda, Aunt June pulled out her camera. June, Ronda and Ronda's mother-in-law had been on a vacation. If my memory serves me right, they went to Scotland, Ireland and other scenic places. They had a grand time and we all got to share in their adventures thanks to Facebook posts.

June, who is VERY detail oriented, went through the pics explaining each shot and the meaning behind the photo when she landed on a pic of Ronda digging in the dirt. "And Ronda put some of Cori's ashes here." Oh man. Melt my heart.

I know this is common with cremation. In fact, I'm sure many of you have done the same. However, this was MY cousin. A mother - who lost a child. And my heart went out to her.

If Cori were here, she would tell of all her adventures. She would fling her arms and smile her contagious smile. Her freckled nose would wrinkle with glee and she would talk your dang ear off telling long tales of the wondrous beauty of this world.

I have typed and erased. Typed and erased. I find it terribly difficult to get my thoughts to black and white. Maybe it's because Cori was so colorful. Maybe it's because I can't find the right words to express how absolutely-amazingly-beautiful I find in the fact that Ronda and Sonny have honored their girl by taking her with them - albeit separately - to share in their adventures.

Sonny and his wife, Sue, take Cori with them throughout Utah and she is placed in areas that she loved to visit. As well, Ronda takes Cori on her adventures and travels.

Cori is in the Hampton Court Gardens and Kensington Palace in England. When you see Stonehenge, take a moment and feel her presence. Cori will be at your feet when you kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland. Loch Ness holds a monster no longer - for it now holds a sweet spirit of laughter and love. Harry Potter will forever fly with an angel over the gardens of Alnick Castle in Northumberland, England. The 7th Wonder of the World - Giants Causeway - now embodies a whole new wonder named Cori Jo Dyle.

I wonder where Cori will go next?