Celebrating Mary
As many of you know, I lost a very dear friend recently. Her life was cut far too short, with so many things that she will not get to experience. Family and friends who will feel the void left behind by her absence.
She did not want a funeral filled with sadness - she wanted a celebration of her life. That is what her family did yesterday, and I was blessed to be a part of this gathering.
It could not have been a more beautiful fall day with bright, warm sunshine and a cool breeze. I have no doubt that she ordered this weather. People arrived, both locally and from out of state, to honor Mary and share their stories from the many years they had known her.
It was the first time some of us had met and it was fun to share how we had come to have her in our lives. With each conversation it was clear to see the impact she had on so many. It was also a day to reconnect with her family that we had not seen for a very long time. Our lives take us in so many different directions that we are like seeds scattered in the wind.
Photo albums, and poster board filled with photos brought back memories from years gone by. Amusing to see how styles changed as time passed. And albums - from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin, the Eagles and more. Funny how we still hang on to those old LP's.
Mary touched my life, and I am thankful that I knew her and spent time with her. There are many, many memories from the forty plus years and I will cherish them all. However, my favorite will always be the beautiful late summer, early fall days when we took our small pint of Southern Comfort to the boat landing, and two good friends shared a sip or two. The picture I share here is how I will always remember Mary - the free spirit who enjoyed life.
She would have truly enjoyed yesterday's celebration, and I'm sure she was there smiling and watching over us all. Thank you Mary, for sharing your life with us.
She did not want a funeral filled with sadness - she wanted a celebration of her life. That is what her family did yesterday, and I was blessed to be a part of this gathering.
It could not have been a more beautiful fall day with bright, warm sunshine and a cool breeze. I have no doubt that she ordered this weather. People arrived, both locally and from out of state, to honor Mary and share their stories from the many years they had known her.
It was the first time some of us had met and it was fun to share how we had come to have her in our lives. With each conversation it was clear to see the impact she had on so many. It was also a day to reconnect with her family that we had not seen for a very long time. Our lives take us in so many different directions that we are like seeds scattered in the wind.
Photo albums, and poster board filled with photos brought back memories from years gone by. Amusing to see how styles changed as time passed. And albums - from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin, the Eagles and more. Funny how we still hang on to those old LP's.
Mary touched my life, and I am thankful that I knew her and spent time with her. There are many, many memories from the forty plus years and I will cherish them all. However, my favorite will always be the beautiful late summer, early fall days when we took our small pint of Southern Comfort to the boat landing, and two good friends shared a sip or two. The picture I share here is how I will always remember Mary - the free spirit who enjoyed life.
She would have truly enjoyed yesterday's celebration, and I'm sure she was there smiling and watching over us all. Thank you Mary, for sharing your life with us.
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