The memorial service will come. At that point there will be lots of remembering, fantastic stories, and many tears. For me, the tears will be sadness for myself. I know he will be literally in heaven. For now he is still alive. How do we show him his impact on the world around him? How to ensure he knows how much he has meant to so many people?
Yes, it means being sure you don't left anything unsaid.
Yes, it means living today to the fullest for tomorrow isn't certain. (That is true for all of us!)
Yes, it means living today to the fullest for tomorrow isn't certain. (That is true for all of us!)
Yes, it means making time to spend time.
Recently it has also meant this wonderful post. It was while reading this post that I realized we are having what I am now calling 'memorial moments'. Another memorial moment that is planned (NOTE: This is a secret, so if you know him, please don't mention it!) is by two decades of Boy Scouts. Last I heard there are 80 guys on the list. I think this idea of honoring him when he is alive is terrific. I wish I could be there to hear all the stories. The way things are going the event itself might be too late, as it is planned for months from now and this week we aren't sure there are weeks, let along months.
Have you ever done anything to encourage "Memorial Moments" before the "Memorial Service"? I would love to hear anything you might be willing to share.
Sorry for this "long goodbye", Kristi, but it sounds as if you are making each moment count. In all the years, the best thing we did when it could happen was to remember things, & to acknowledge those wonderful 'moments' with that person. My husband was also a Boy Scout & volunteer for many years, & my son is a CEO in the Boy Scouts. The ceremony sounds wonderful, & hope it will happen for your special someone.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda
Deletethe idea of a "memorial" while the person is still alive is wonderful. A friend was diagnosed with advanced cancer in June, and the second thing she said was "I want a party." Her son and his partner were able to pull together the party in just a few weeks, and it was like a wonderful occasion for her friends and relatives to tell her how much she meant to them and also share with the rest of us stories each of us might not have known. It was so good for her to be able to hear it all, and I know we all felt better than we might have when she did die earlier this month.
ReplyDeleteLove that she got her party. Sorry for your loss. Continue to tell her stories!
DeleteOh, Kristi, your post speaks to my heart. What a blessing to have some time to create Memorial Moments such as the event featuring twenty years of Boy Scouts. It's so easy to understand the kind of person your dad was from your post and the other one. My favorite line there: "It meant a lot to work together in community with so many different generations." Our world needs more people like your dad, willing to connect with young people. Blessings as you face this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ramona
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