We Walked to the End

Yesterday was our "official" good-bye to Mom. Her service was at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lakewood at 1PM. The service went very well. Emily and I sang "For Good" from the musical, "Wicked." I was thinking perhaps I was taking on too much, but it came across well. The song's theme is because I knew you, I have been changed for good. I think that everyone who has known my Mom could say that. Debbie read the lessons and Emily sang the Lord's Prayer. My brother-in-law, Lenard gave the message. He so beautifully captured the essence of our Mom. In planning Mom's service, Debbie and I had a couple of themes we thought of using..One was Easter, another was a wedding and another spring. Debbie had told Mom on Tuesday (July 22) that winter was over and springtime was coming. Lenard used the verse from Song of Songs 2:11-12. "See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.....At the end of the message, Lenard alluded to an inside joke. One day, Anna, the Hospice nurse went to visit my Mom and said "Hi Beautiful." Without missing a beat, my Mom answered "Hi Ugly!" It was funny..so, Anna then set up Tonya, the Hospice social worker..I guess Mom did it to Tami, our favorite CNA..she didn't realize Mom was kidding! Anyway, at the end of Lenard's message, he said he hoped that when Mom was greeted by the Lord saying "Hi Beautiful..." You get the idea!!

After the service there was a reception where we got to visit with people who loved our Mom. Our Aunt Jeanette and Uncle Cutler came up from Carmel, and my cousin Tricia and her family were up from LA. There were many others and we are so thankful that you were there with us.

Afterwards, Debbie and Lenard, my family and my Aunt & Uncle went out to the Ram for dinner. It was nice to visit with them..

Aunt Jeanette and Debbie

A very special mother/daughter moment. Cherish those moments!

And now it's time to figure life out without parents. I am fortunate to have come from a very close family. That's what makes this very hard for me. One way I relax is to play worship music and sing. I was playing this a song this evening called "Happy Day." I was singing and was struck by the words of the second verse:

"When I stand in that place, free at last meeting face to face. I am Yours, Jesus You are mine. Endless joy, perfect peace, earthly pain finally will cease. Celebrate Jesus is alive, He's alive!!"

I like the line that earthly pain will cease. That is what will carry me through. Both my parents are no longer in pain.