The Viewing

Hey everyone,
First off a big thank you so much to all of you who have offered your sympathies for my family's loss. And another for keeping us all in your thoughts and or prayers. It really means a lot. Again, thank you.

Well, we've made it through the viewing. I am sure that Matt and Shannon are just numb right now. Dave and I took the kids yesterday. Luckily the kids spent most of their time there playing with the other little kids. After about an hour Dave took the kids out for ice cream and then home. I stayed and got a ride home with my mom and sister Liz.

The room was STUFFED FULL of pictures of Dakota. You could feel the pride, joy and honor that Shannon & Matt felt at being Dakota's parents! Dakota was laid out in his boy scout uniform shirt and in a green coffin (his favorite color). Later in the evening the Boy Scouts had a ceremony for Dakota. They presented colors at which time EVERYONE in the room started to cry. One of the leaders talked and did a reading. Then they presented Matt (who was Dakota's den leader or whatever that is called) & Shannon with the troop's flag. They also played taps. It was all very touching.

They have set up a fund or something in memory of Dakota to help kids who cannot afford to go to attend BS camp. I'm not sure of the details. They are holding a breakfast on Saturday to raise money. I will post more details later. I am hoping many will attend.