Alexis' pics

[urbpan]

If anyone is interested in pictures from my mom's memorial they are here.

The memorial was surreal, but a good experience. The only thing that the pictures really don't capture is how many people came to say goodbye and support the family. We are truly blessed. There were people who came from as far as Maine (not counting family members who came from Pennsylvania) and people that we hadn't seen in 30 years. The most emotional people were those who knew her from the nursing home. Most of the others hadn't seen her in decades; even those of us who saw her often hadn't really seen her in many years. But to the nursing home staff, she was a different person, still special and full of light. They are really going to miss her. In a way, I'd said goodbye to her for good a long time ago.

It was really nice to see my mom's sister again, as well as her husband and my awesome cousin Joanna. It was also great to see my old buddy mike--hadn't seen him in over 5 years I think--and his all growed up daughter. It's an odd event that it should bring so many together. My mom was so shy, she would have been embarrassed to be the center of attention.

Thanks for all your kind words over my past few posts. I haven't said much in return, but I really appreciate it. I'm looking forward to posting pictures of bugs and mushrooms again, and using facebook to look at pictures of drunk friends of friends again.

Life goes on.

Comments

[ankhanu.livejournal.com]

I haven't been kicking around LiveJournal much over the past year, but, I'd like to send along my well wishes to you and your family. Your mother's release from suffering must be something of a sad relief for all of you.

The tone you've presented reminds me heavily of the passing of one of my best friends' father a couple years ago, after a struggle with cancer. While there was great sadness, there was a strong sense of relief and release from suffering for all of them. His service and the eulogies were among the most heartfelt and touching I've ever encountered.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[jainabee.livejournal.com]

You remember when I came to Boston when my Uncle Anne died. She was agoraphobic and rarely left her room for years. At the wake I remember quipping to a cousin, "She'd only have a party over her dead body!"

And yet these shy types often have a huge fan base, eh?

[montacute.livejournal.com]

because i haven't said it before, i'd like to express my sympathy, too.

the path your mother went down is similar to that i've seen my grandmother, and, recently, my great-aunts follow. i know it must hit far closer to home when it's your mother, but i'm also familiar with the very, very strange, ambivalent relief that leavens the grief when someone has been gone in mind for so long... anyway. my thoughts are with you. and i'm glad your mother is at peace.