After a long hiatus from my blog, I’ve decided it’s time to come back and write. So much has been going on for the past 4 months that I have felt overwhelmed by emotions, duties, obligations and just plain fear.
Last weekend we held a celebration of life for Mom, who made her transition on December 1st. She did not want a traditional funeral, but a gathering of friends and family. Planning the service-no, party- was up to me and I was afraid of not making everything “perfect” for Mom. So I did what I felt she would have wanted-held the party at their home in Naples, with video of her and Dad’s life together, lots of food, wine, flowers and candles–all things that she loved. I had a cake made in her honor- (chocolate-her favorite) and on it wrote “Sunnie, forever in our hearts.”
memorial cake
Since Mom was a lover of nature, collector of stones and shells that she found beautiful, I placed some candles in sand surrounded by shells she had collected,
and gave a “memory stone” to each attendee as a tribute to her.
Memory Stone
I put together a collage of pictures ranging from Mom’s early childhood to very recent, as well as a display of her high school and college yearbooks and her childhood Bible. More framed pictures were placed among flowers that were sent in her memory. We had roughly 45 of Mom’s local friends join us, and my brother Jim flew down for the occasion. About 8 people spoke (including Jim and me) and told fun/touching stories. There were tears and laughter, and I know she would have loved it.
Memorial collage
Mom’s celebration of life party is behind us, but she will live on forever in our hearts.
Beautiful Julie. You are one strong woman – your Mom could not have had a better daughter. Her breeze flows all around you, that you can be sure of – Love you tons!
U did a wonderful job! She is pleased. Luv u, my dear friend!
U did a wonderful job! She is pleased! Luv u, my friend!
Thanks so much for sharing her memorial party with us. She was a wonderful lady. I always enjoyed seeing her and your dad walking their pup around the neighborhood. It just doesn’t seem right that they’re no here any longer. I still refer to that house as ‘The Emrich’s home’. Always will, I suppose.
The wife of a friend I used to work with did the same. She had pictures, people told stories about their share of his life, people laughed at the good memories, and it was the best celebration of a man’s life I’ve ever attended! We smiled and were happy to have known him and shared some quality time with him instead of sad at his passing.
I can only hope that someone does the same for me someday….
Life celebrations are so meaningful. I actually started thinking about planning my own at some point.
What a wonderful way to honor your mother! All those memories will stay with you and her friends forever.
Hello. May I ask where you the memory stones? I have been looking and can’t find the right size.
Jen, I ordered them from this website. http://www.nextgenmemorials.com/ They have tons of great ideas and products!
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother.
I just found your blog and will be following. Always nice to make new blogging friends. 🙂
Thanks much. We like your blog, too!