On one hand, I have so many words about my mother's Celebration of Life, but, on the other hand, I don't know what to say to capture the event. I will say that it went very well with few logistical hiccups. I'd never planned a memorial before, so was learning as I went! I know our family experienced very meaningful collective grieving.
The urn with Mom's cremated remains
My stepdad, waiting quietly for guests
Uncle Steven greeting guests
As far as photo boards went, my opinion was "the more, the better!"
Waiting for all the guests to arrive
Aunt Elizabeth was our most gracious and peaceful officiator.
Mom's identical twin reading Psalm 23
Me reading a Prayer for a Mother Deceased and Psalm 129
Aunt Alexandra singing and drumming "Uhuru"
My husband had to take Margaret out and missed almost the entirety of the event. I'm all too familiar with that experience at Mass each Sunday and was so grateful to him that I could focus on this once-in-a-lifetime event.
My grandfather delivered the first eulogy via a pre-recorded DVD.
Aunt Stella's eulogy
Aunt Erica's eulogy
My eulogy, which was then followed by Aunt Elizabeth talking about Mom and Neil's marriage and the excellent care giving he provided her for the last seven years she was bedridden and paralyzed
Friend Barb read a poem about love written by my mom.
Friend Bill read a poem about being plain spoken written by my mom.
Aunt Erica sang In Paradisum, then lead the guests in singing the hymn "Morning Has Broken." When we were choosing a concluding song to sing, my aunt and I thought this one would be perfect. My stepdad agreed, reminding us that for years, my mom had hanging on the back yard fence a beautiful carved wooden plaque of the sun rising which read "Morning Has Broken."
After the formal program guests spilled out onto the private patio and hors d'oeuvres were served.
My childhood friend Alea--a continued presence in my life since I was four years old!
Alex and Zoe
Uncle Steven, Neil, Ethan
Katherine,thank you for letting us share in this beautiful moment with your family. I know that having them nearby was a great comfort. I wonder, having seen the picture of your grandfather, if you may have received your intense love of books from him? :)
ReplyDeleteYou continue to be in my prayers.
Ashley
What a beautiful thing you did for your mother. I agree: the more photos the better on a photo board!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it was beautiful, Katherine! And you've been blessed with a nice, long visit with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteAshley: Sharp eye! Yes, Grandpa and his first wife, my grandmother Teri (who died when I was 5), had an intense love of books. Both have/had homes in which most of the rooms are lined with filled bookshelves. So their daughters were infused with that love of books and language. Then my father and stepfather are both extreme bookworms. Who needs wallpaper when you have books lining every room? I come by my love honestly!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful day, Katherine!!!
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