Random Thoughts
Hi friendsJust random thoughts today about my mom and the Arizona celebration of life we had on Monday, Feb 17.About 80 people attended. My children took part, reading the obituary, Mom's favorite Bible verses and sharing family memories. I told two stories:
When Bravery Wears Sensible Black Shoes
and
My Mom Wears Lipstick to Fight Cancer.
Sister, Renae, put together a beautiful slide show. Kevin officiated sharing thoughts of Mom's love of Jesus.
I love that a friend had a bouquet delivered with a tube of lipstick nestled in the flowers.
***Afterwards I was looking at photos of Mom on the computer. Grandson, Micah, age 2 stopped playing with his trucks to look at the screen. He announced, "Gate Gamma is wit Jesus."
Is it possible for words to be so beautiful and so difficult?
Mom's oncologist from Mayo IN MINNESOTA called yesterday to offer condolences. How he got my cell phone number, I have no idea. He said Mom was a strong, energetic woman who will be sorely missed.
Mom had this effect on medical staff. As the disease progressed and she could not be her regular energetic, organizational, serving self, her gracious, queenly manner shone. She would welcome doctors into THEIR exam room. "Thank you for coming today."
She always spoke thanks and blessing over them at the end of the appointment for the work they did with patients.
At the service, several people mentioned Mom's last project, a necklace of birthstone beads, she made in January. She would finger each bead and talk about the family member it represented. Daughter, Katelyn, took the necklace apart this weekend and made a Christmas ornament for each family using their beads.
I remember reading a book where the author talked about a person's final words. He had collected the words of many historical figures. Mom's last words were spoken in prayer, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
The official obit (which I also posted on my blog) is now on the Bayview Funeral Home website in Albert Lea: http://www.bayviewfuneral.com/obits/obituary.php?id=450535