In Memory

I've been trying to find words to describe the events of the last couple of weeks in our family. That has seemed like a real uphill struggle for me. There has been so much happening for all of us, and the emotional tide has been running high. We've been busy and completely wrapped up in the preparations for this weekend... planning for the memorial and burial for Master's mother, Rebecca.



On Saturday, April 4, that memorial was held, almost two months after her death on February 11. It would have been her 88th birthday.



There were some 50 people in attendance, including many of the residents of the assisted living center where they last lived together, and where Master's father, Walter, resided until March 1. Other guests included family members from New York and Pennsylvania, Master's children and their mother, staff members from Master's agency, Board members (likewise from His agency), an officer of the bank where both Master and his father do business, even one of the caregivers from the facility where Rebecca lived until her death, was there.



It was, truly, a warm and affirming service. Master spoke eloquently, and at length -- telling the amazing story of His parents' sixty-five year journey together. Others of us spoke of our memories of the amazing little lady who came from an orphan childhood to form such strong and diverse family ties.



Afterwards, we gathered at the community building of the condominium complex where all of us live, to share a meal and to spend time with those who had traveled to be with us. T and I had put together a meal: ham and turkey, green bean casserole, au gratin potatoes, fruit salad, some desserts... There were beverages (of course), and a bit of Irish music on the boom box. It was a good way to relax a bit and celebrate the amazing linkages of this most "unlikely" family.

























Yesterday, a much smaller group of us gathered at graveside as Master carried the box of His mother's ashes and placed them in their final resting place. It was an extremely emotional final event in this journey. With all the prayers and blessings said, we left the sunny and windswept hillside cemetary -- heading back to Grandpa's place for an afternoon of fellowship and one more dinner together. More time to bask in the warmth of strong, loving family ties.



I am simply awestruck at the wonder of this family forged from the steadfast love of two orphan children over sixty-five years of marriage. It is an absolute tribute to the strength and resiliency of these remarkable people.



Today, we are worn out. We are drained. We are simply trying to breathe and remember our way back to some kind of steadiness in the face of the on-rushing week.



Thank you, each of you, who have supported and carried us in your thoughts these last weeks and months. We are surely not done grieving, but we are beginning the journey toward life without her -- remembering the gifts she shared with each of us.



swan