Elizabeth Gilliland Obituary

It had been a long and difficult journey, but at 11:15 on a cool July evening, Holly arrived at her forever farm on Eternity Road.
The pearly gates shimmered as she stood before them. A welcoming gatekeeper quickly unlatched the golden chain to a magnificent mansion, built just for her.
Though Holly and her husband, David, had always vowed-on nearly every flight they took-to make this particular journey together, he was unable to join her this time. He had spent countless hours preparing her, revisiting her list of three final requests again and again.
Twenty-eight years had passed swiftly between them, never separated in body, mind, or spirit. But this parting was different. Its permanence shattered his heart. Still, hope gave him comfort. The quantum connection between them-the deep resonance of their souls-was eternal.
They had known each other from birth in this earthly life. Now, he held her birth announcement in his tear-soaked hand. A reunion was assured, within the ocean of energy from which we all come-and to which we all return. But still, he wept.
As Holly surveyed the vastness of her new estate, she saw that the grass had never been greener, the flowers never more fragrant, nor the day more radiant. These were the rewards for a life lived in selfless service-paying it forward, helping the misfortunate, the homeless, and the forgotten.
Holly loved all things unselfishly.
She gave freely, never expecting praise or recognition. Time and again, she offered both her time and treasure for the enrichment of others. These, truly, are the highest acts of love. The names-Lupe, Perfecta, Michael, Rachel, Benjamin, and countless others-were now emblazoned on 500 trees swaying atop a mountain in the high Sierras. It had become the earthly home for her shadow. Dust to dust...
Her beloved animals gathered before her.
She moved among them-her first dog, Rusty, and her last, Gilbert; every cat, every goat, every horse she had ever loved and cared for was there. "Mrs. Doolittle is finally home!" they shouted into the brilliant azure skies. Holly wasn't surprised they could now speak plainly to her-they had always shared a secret, whispered language.
Nudging her way through the crowd came Charity-her favorite horse, her baby. Holly had foaled her, trained her, competed with her. They were champions. She gently rubbed her muzzle, recalling the shows, the trophies, the accolades, the travel-and the nights she slept in the stall when Charity was ill, comforting her until the end.
But that pain was over now, carried away on a sweet breeze into infinity. Only joyful days remained. Time no longer held meaning. Now was forever-and they would walk and ride together once more on heavenly trails.
Inside the golden foyer, her parents waited-Betty and Billy (also known as Doc)-ready with hugs and kisses for their beautiful daughter with the golden curls. Pain was gone, replaced by love, forgiveness, and peace. Her two brothers, Scott and Bill, would one day join in that eternal circle of reconciliation. But now, it was Holly's time. The third child had arrived first, and the first was last.
Holly no longer marked time. Eternity was peace, joy, and fellowship. And there she would await the day her husband, her friend, her love, would join her-to be reunited forever and ride the endless trails of heaven, side by side.
Elizabeth Holly Gilliland was a strong Southern woman-kind and opinionated-who lived a life of unwavering integrity instilled by her father, and of boundless love gifted by God. Though her years were too brief, her generosity left a lasting legacy, changing the lives-and futures-of many.
Few people in this world truly make a difference. Holly was one of them.
She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her-as I have-on this side of the great divide that only temporarily separates us all.
Mahalo' Pookie... Love without bounds,
-David