Remembering Mom

"All you need is love" ~ mom used to always say that.

Its been busy around here lately, and I haven't been able to write on the blog in a few days.  The house has been filled with friends and family and more good food than we could possible eat ourselves!  Debbie has been collecting photos for the slide show we are working on for mom's service- scanning old photos and taking emailed photos and CD's from anyone and everyone who wants to contribute.  Lots of pictures needless to say. 

Planning a memorial service is new to all of us (I think I've only been to 1 or 2 funerals in my life..)- and I have to say- it feels like we are planning a wedding (but with only 4 days left to plan).  It just goes to show- things have a way of coming together- even in a time crunch.  Everyone has stepped up and taken a role in this planning process and I have to say- this memorial service is going to turn out great!  We have Charlie Salerno and his band playing some of mom's favorite music- we have Val and Chad playing the violin and guitar- we have a slide show with some of the best photos- and many hands helping out along the way. 

For anyone interested in attending mom's service, it will be heald Thursday, August 12 at 11am at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church ~ 3605 84th Ave SE ~ Mercer Island, Wa. 98040 with a reception to follow (at the church also).

Two people passed this poem onto me yesterday- My Aunt Eileen passed it on- saying she really liked it and that my Grandma Sussex (who passed away Nov. 2008) included it at her fathers memorial.  Bonnie Sanborn (mom's business partner for 20 years) also passed this onto me.  It must be significant. 

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I do not die.

by Mary Elizabeth Frye