Celebrate

Hi Mum,

What did you think of your Celebration last night? At first, we weren't going to have anything but then a sweet friend thought it might be a good idea. So three days after your passing we went to see Pastor Aaron and planned it - on the beach. We knew you wouldn't want something stuffy in a church and we knew it had to be Hawaii themed. We gave a brief outline to Aaron and planned it for last night.

Not sure if you know, but we've been in a heatwave the last few days - its been unbearable and you would have been melting. Tried to get two florists to make us leis but neither could do it, so went to the store Sunday morning, bought a bunch of carnations, babies breath and sewed them up. Then with left over flowers I made mini bouquets for Corinne, Malcolm and Aaron and then made bouquets that we tucked into our hair.

Michelle wore your favourite mumu and I wore my old faithful one, the seams are starting to come a part (it's at least 35 years old). We planned the service very casual, we were so anxious all day. I baked biscottis for 16 people because I honestly didn't think that many would come. We had bags of biscottis, programs and a cooler of flavoured bubbly water.

No clue where on the beach we would choose but I looked over to the right and there was an area with logs arranged like pews, we walked over and set up. S. was the first to arrive and I cried when I saw her, as it got closer to 7pm more and more started showing up, some people came and as soon as I saw them I started sobbing. There were at least 27 people with several cancellations and some said they'd come but didn't. The neighbour came with his parents, that was so special. A few came from your prayer meeting, even the Thursday morning one, you had such an influence on them even though you were only there for the series, they've sent cards and flowers.

The weather was perfect, the two songs were  "It is Well With my Soul" and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" " then Aaron shared, then Michelle and then me. We cut lots of lavender so people could throw it into the ocean then I walked into the water and threw my lei and said good bye to you, Michelle had "My Lighthouse" playing in the background. Aaron ended with prayer. We ran out of biscottis and at the end we were surrounded with so much love.

Unexpectedly people brought cards and flowers and it was amazing, simply amazing. A group of geese swam by and with boats in the background it was surreal. Haven't had time to process it, I will in the days to come. You'll be pleased we took Corinne and Malcolm to Boom and Batten for a really nice lunch, again it was picture perfect.

We miss you so much, like we said "you were the best mum".









 

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