Letters to the Editor -- Nov. 15, 2015

Dear Smoke Signals:
Just a few lines to let everyone know how very, very glad I was to have made it to Grand Ronde for my sister Marion Davidson's funeral.
There were so many who came. I was so proud as some of the family came a long ways. My two sisters, Hazel Haller and Betty Haller Garrett, came all the way from Redding, Calif. Betty's husband drove all that way and they are not spring chickens anymore. Some came all the way from Washington. Yes, I was very proud of them, each and every one. The family of Marion's would have made her proud of them; they did a wonderful job of pulling together and my beloved niece, Judy, she sang for her mom, so beautiful and my Willie how proud I was of them. All I could do was cry, and Marion's oldest son of Buddie was like me; all we had was tears.
Kenny, my baby brother did such a good job. He's the one who kept us all from breaking up. Thank God he knows the Lord. Our mother would have been so proud of him. And that goes for all of the family.
I didn't get to stay too long. My oxygen ran out. We put a fresh tank in it and it was out before we finished our lunch. We have to go to Aumsville, which is about 65 miles from there. But I had my two puffers I kept using. I started having chest pains before we got to Salem. I never said anything, but as soon as I got home, I grabbed my wall oxygen hookup. But stayed awake so long as I had chest pains so bad. But at 4 in the morning, I went to sleep and slept until 10:30 a.m.
But thank God I made it. I'd have started out walking and dragging my oxygen tank and got a ride if I had to. I had thought about it.
We've all got to be strong now, as there are so many of us whom are not getting any younger and, God, it hurts to say goodbye. But when you know where you're going, it's so easy, but no one wants to say goodbye. Not even one.
I remember my mom telling me, "Bebe, you are a prayer warrior. You know how to pray. You promise me you'll always pray for your brothers and sister."
I promised. I've never broke that promise. God's been good to me. He's blessed me with a long life and kept strong in my faith. Again I want to thank all of Mary's family and all who helped arrange for the funeral.
May God bless each and every one of you. I love you.
Your sister (Bebe)
Geneva M. Haller Handsaker
Roll #64

Dear Smoke Signals:
The family of Marion Davidson wishes to thank the Grand Ronde Cemetery and Community Center staff who worked to make her memorial service on Oct. 26 so special. To all staff who worked in the kitchen during and after the potlatch, we appreciate the extra help and please know that it did not go unnoticed.
Thanks, also, to Tribal Council for the plant and words of sympathy.
Special thanks to Ken and Sandy Haller for the beautiful service at the Lighthouse Church, as well as the very uplifting words Ken shared at the graveside service.
We also thank everyone who contributed to the headstone fund.
Your help and words eased our burden and pain, and we are proud to be part of such a caring community of Native people. To everyone who helped us in this time of loss, we are so grateful. Thank you.
The family of Marion Davidson
Tracy Moreland
Roll #2040