The title of this post is a play on words, but it can mean
many things. Lots of people in my close circle have lost loved ones—some expected,
some not so. It’s difficult and my heart goes out to them.
The loss of my dear friend, Geoffrey still lingers as I
prepare his memorial service. With all these deaths—or translations into a new
life (them leaving this physical plane of existence) the details of what
continues here falls on loved ones, which is why it’s important to express your
wishes before you go. Sure, no one knows when that will be, and it’s not
something we all like to think about. But I have, and I’m working on getting
that in order. You may think, ‘oh, I’ll be dead, so who cares?’ A lot of people
care, and laws and such don’t make matters as easy as you think.
Fitting that yesterday I decided to finally post. It’s been
a while. Last night, after midnight, my husband said, “Love you the mostest.” A
game we play.
I asked, “What day is it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is it March 12th?” (even though technically it
was March 13th)
“Yes, why?”
“Just realized tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of
my momma.”
“Oh. How long?”
“44 years.”
“Wow”
Yeah, that’s what I thought. Even though my mom’s death was
44 years ago, I can picture it like yesterday.
Today’s the fourth year that I began this blog because of
her. A reason to blog… I started the posts, “Dear Mom,” as I felt it was easier
to write to someone rather than randomly writing.
It’s been a crazy month, but where there’s a will, there’s a
way. If I turn it over to Spirit, the outcome is a better way.
Memorial Service
Dr. Geoffrey Hilton
Saturday, March 22, 2014
1:00 p.m.
The Joplin Association for the Blind
311 S. Schifferdecker Ave.
Joplin, MO
64801
I hope this type of goodbye will give you another step towards peace. Even though the emptiness will remain, maybe it can shrink a wee bit with the celebration of a life well lived.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bookie - I like "celebration of a life well lived."
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to lose those close to us. I know how cherished of a friend Geoffrey was. My dad's birthday is the anniversary of your mom's death. I think you are right to get affairs in order. I'm thinking about planning my big party.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of it as a "celebration" as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope it went well today, Lynn. I'm sorry I didn't see this post sooner...
Thanks Linda and Sioux. We'll be celebrating next weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Lynn. When there are things we can't control, we simply have to turn them over to Someone who can.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Geoffrey will be with you in spirit on Saturday. And I'm equally certain he'll be smiling in approval.
Pat
Critter Alley
Geoffrey must have valued your friendship a great deal, Lynn, as do I. You're a sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. If my memory is correct, isn't Geoffrey the friend you wrote about in "Story Country" and how you worried about after the Joplin tornado? Hold on to your special memories. They will sustain you through the tough times.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs your way.
You made me realize my beloved grandfather passed 36 years ago today. I'm sure you will make Geoffrey's life-celebration exactly what he would have wanted. All the best to you and all who loved him.
ReplyDelete@Pat and Lisa - thank you.
ReplyDelete@Donna - yes, that's the Geoffrey from the tornado.
@Tammy - Loved the story about your Grandfather, so my thoughts are with you too! Thank you.