CELEBRATION OF LIFE

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  "If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive."  Eleanora Duse

THIS IS:  Couple Appreciation Month

Bette is a resident here at the Cove, and she is battling terminal lymphoma.  Rather than have a funeral service when the time comes, her husband hosted a Celebration of Life Memorial.  I have never attended a Celebration of Life before, so I didn't know what to expect.  My thoughts circled around a mingling event.  I envisioned Bette sitting in a comfortable chair being greeted by family, friends, and acquaintances.  I pictured guests standing together in small groups trading Bette stories.

That wasn't the case.  During the Life Memorial, personal letters from friends and family were read, a flutist played, a song was sung.  It was truly a Celebration of Life.  Bette's life.  I am sorry that I never got to know Bette better than I did.  What I witnessed, and felt, at this Celebration was a beautiful Life Memorial with love encompassing the room.

I learned a lot about Bette that afternoon.  She is an extraordinary wife and mom who took in three stepsons.  She is a true and faithful friend to so many.  She was a body builder.  Her landscaping could probably have won awards.  There are more dimensions to Bette than I ever could have imagined.

When Bette entered the room, I could almost hear her thinking, "Are all of these people here for me?"

Yes, Bette.  We were.


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Next post:  5/2/12

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