When my dear friend Frankie Thill lost her beloved chocolate lab Hershey in January, 2016, her plan was to bring Hershey’s ashes back to Mackinac that summer and sprinkle them in some of the favorite places they would visit together. Because of some issues with her knees and some breathing difficulties, Frankie hadn’t been able to get back up here. But yesterday . . . . Princess Hershey came home.

Hershey’s entourage – Frankie, her son David and granddaughter Emily, and friends Judy and Sue. Because of Frankie’s knee issues, we decided the best way to get to all the places we needed to go would be by carriage. Frankie directed our path, and David took care of most of the sprinkling.

Frankie’s husband Darryl is buried on Mackinac, and we stopped to sprinkle ashes on his gravestone. Frankie and Hershey visited this site frequently. We had to push aside beautiful blooming wild flowers that surrounded the marker, and we left knowing Hershey’s ashes would be added to the soil for the nourishment of next summer’s flowers.

Probably their favorite walk was down to Mission Point. They loved to sit on the steps of the gazebo and enjoy the flower gardens. David sprinkled ashes along all the flower beds, and even though they were setting up for a wedding, I clandestinely sprinkled some around the inside of the gazebo and on the steps.

Our final stop was at the bench across from Bistro on the Green, where Frankie and Hershey would people watch, and Hershey would meet and greet anyone who wanted to pet her – which was everyone!
As David was sprinkling ashes along the roadway a tourist stopped and watched him for a few seconds. Then she said, “What is that you’re doing? Are those grass seeds you’re planting?”

A fanciful scene entered my mind at that moment. I envisioned walking along this same pathway next summer, looking over in the grass and seeing Hershey Kisses sprinkled in with the luscious green grass. Silly, I know. But I think I’ll walk down there next summer anyway – just to check it out.

One of my favorite photos of Hershey. She and Bear were intently watching Ted eat a sandwich – just knowing he had to drop at least one crumb. I love to think about the two of them together, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.
That was beautiful! So happy that Hershey is where she belongs. My
FB memory today was a picture of Bud, Frankie and Hershey sitting on a bench in town. Sure brings back such sweet memories. 🙂
Awww – quite the coincidence, Hilde!
I got that memory too. What a special day for that to come up.
Beautiful, crying tears of happiness!
How sweet is it that now she is all around her favorite places. ♥️
Very beautiful and touching story. I’m glad Frankie and her family were able to come over and sprinkle Hershey’s ashes.
A sad and sweet way to honor the life of Hershey and the joy shared.
Nothing to say. Crying too hard.
❤😶🌻
Hopefully their keeping Ben company……..
Absolutely positive they’ve formed a “family tribe” by now!
GET YOUR TISSUE…….BEAUTIFUL STORY BY BREE!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR MY MOTHER’S SIDE OF THE FAMILY THAT LIVE IN TEXAS. HOUSTON WAS ALWAYS HOME WHEN WE WERE IN THE MILITARY….THAT IS WHERE MY GRANDPARENTS AND GREAT GRANDPARENTS LIVED, MY AUNT, UNCLE AND ALL MY COUSINS. MY MOTHER’S BROTHER HAS PROBABLY LOST HIS HOME AND WAS EVACUATED EARLIER TODAY…..HE WAS SCHEDULED FOR BACK SURGERY MONDAY. MY MOTHER’S SISTER, WHO FELL , IS IN A REHAB CENTER 25 MILES OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON. SHE IS SCHEDULED TO BE DISMISSED FRIDAY AND IS GOING TO LIVE WITH HER DAUGHTER, IRENE. GOD IS REALLY CONVEYING HIS POWER…..I AM WORRIED AND SAD. BFF
Prayers lifting for your family and everyone enduring the wrath of Harvey.
Thank you for being with us Brenda, no one could say the right words but you. Love you!
I couldn’t make it through your post without crying my eyes out. It was such a sweet story.
Brenda,
A very moving and impressive blog. I’m so glad we were able to meet Hersey a couple of years ago.
Well now you went and made me cry……………….what a marvelous tribute to a marvelous friend. I’m sure he was there running alongside saying “Yes, I remember this – it’s one of my favorite spots!”.
Deborah . . Well now you went and made ME cry.
Sniff,
I’m sure he and Bear are waiting together at the Bridge.
I’m so sorry. That was a lovely tribute. I never dreamed I’d ever smile and cry at the mention of Hershey Kisses. What a sweet, sweet thought. and what a very special place for Hershey to get to spend eternity. Thanks for sharing.
I am so very sorry
😉
Just got in to Mission Point tonight. Rode pass the bench across from the Bistro a few minutes ago and thought of Hershey and his family. Lovely post.
So sad, makes me cry!!! Miss my Princess Felicity.