Celebration of Life

On Saturday we had a Celebration of Life for Mom, 138 days since she entered her Heavenly home. It has been a long time coming. I brought along the memory quilt that I made for her 70th birthday to grace the lobby of the reception area. 

The celebration was held in my hometown in Massachusetts. My parents had sold our home and moved to New Hampshire in 2009; because of that, our grandchildren had never experienced my husband's and my old stomping grounds until this past weekend. We took them on a tour. It was an emotional time for me anyway, but to drive through the streets of my growing up years, to recall each and every childhood friend as we passed their long-ago driveways brought an almost paralyzing lump up into my throat. It was all too familiar and sad at the same time. There was a grand turnout of people for Mom which pleased my Dad especially, he's been concerned over all this time whether anyone would be there; he need not have worried! Our family is gathered in the top photo, taken after everyone had left.  

A snapshot of the ladies💓; dear, precious, lifelong friends 

who have always been there to support our family. 

Among the attendees were old neighbors, and school friends whom I can't remember a time before I knew them. As the Celebration of Life was concluding one of these friends slipped an arm around me and whispered into my ear, addressing me by my given name, saying that she had spoken with my mother and that Mom wanted me to have the heart, pictured above; my friend tucked it firmly into my hand. I told her when she called me by that name I was sure that she had, indeed, talked with Mom; there were no nicknames for my mother! This sweet gift is all the more meaningful every time I look at it. Especially as we get closer to this Sunday.

I love you too, Mom;

now and forever. 

💓

Life is Good!