A Very Special Road Trip

I have a very special friend who lost her battle with cancer a short time ago.
I met her on Twitter as @Sprucehillfarm but it wasn't long before I knew her as Sarah.
She has many friends on Twitter and Facebook but there is a small group of us on Twitter that are really very close.
Sarah was the sunshine of our group.

Her family and friends held a celebration of her life yesterday and as some of you know, I love a good road trip. Plus, Sarah and I were in the process of setting a date for me to come visit when she passed so suddenly so how could I not go?

My travel companions were my lovely daughter in law Amy and granddaughter Alyssa.
I dropped them off in Baltimore and they visited with Amy's parents. Worked out beautifully.

I took along a few strays too.
These good friends couldn't make the trip but they were there in spirit.

@kayotickitchen
@LStuart1954
@acranch
@Pinkribbonwendi
@FurryPad
@wearsmanyhats
@Luvschrome
@outdoorsathome

I learned from Sarah's husband Paul that this is where they met when they were kids, the Deer Creek Overlook in Rock State Park. How fitting to hold the celebration of her life here.

And this is Sarah. Such a smile.
There were cards on the table for people to write fond memories or special thoughts. It felt good to write how much Sarah meant to us and to include the names of her friends who cared so much about her.
A few Twitter friends e-mailed their thoughts to me and I put them in the basket. I hope all of the good thoughts and kind words will help her family find comfort and peace.

She was loved by so many.

I Met the most friendly and wonderful people.
Her husband Paul was every bit as handsome as the pics on her blog and I could see why she called him her rock. He's a very special guy.
No pic though, sorry :(

This is Sara (@sstreettcook) and Maureen (@mostreett)
Sarah's Sisters-in-law. (Paul's sisters) Aren't they gorgeous?
I couldn't wait to meet them. They are so sweet. I was able to meet their parents too. Such a friendly family. Turns out the girls grew up less than 2 hours away from where I live and their parents still live there. What a small world!

Sarah's support group.
Fun group of ladies. Thanks for introducing me around and making me feel at home.

Some other people I had the pleasure of meeting. Wish I would've remembered to take a picture!
Keri (@Fab5Momma). Your picture doesn't do you justice!
Betsy (@whoamare2). You made me laugh. Thank you! Didn't you say you were Sarah's 3rd cousin? or did I just make that up?
Molly (@mommycoddle) Yes it was a great afternoon. Everyone was so sweet. I'm so happy I made the trip!

The room was filled with Storyboards, pictures and momentos.

I found the wine table ;) and there was a Starbucks table too.

Those of us who were close to Sarah know she loved her wine.
It had a little bit more meaning for me though. I bought the napkins for Sarah last year while I was on vacation. I was so happy to see them on that table.

And the food!

I got to sample many of Sarah's recipes made famous through her blog. Little recipe cards were near the dishes to take home. Such a thoughtful touch!

See the slideshow?
There were so many thoughtful little touches everywhere.
I felt Sarah in that room. I know she was there.

Activities for the kids. It was so nice to meet Sarah and Paul's three beautiful daughters. They were enjoying themselves and I'm sure their mom was smiling proudly.

The last group of pictures are really special.
Maureen and Sarah put together a scrapbook of her online adventures and it included so much of how we knew her. I wanted to read every word but so many other people wanted to see it that I took these pictures to share.





Just Beautiful.

Sarah has the most amazing family and friends.

The day was so special and you could just feel the love and caring.

I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to be there and I'm blessed to have known such a wonderful, loving, thoughtful person.

We miss you Sarah but we carry you in our hearts always.