This time, the goodbye was truly beautiful.
I have peace with it.
It is good and it is well to let go....and say farewell.
There was no other possibility.
No other options, or opportunities to avoid this moment.
She was the last living connection with my mother.
They were so alike in looks, character, and mannerisms.
When I saw her and spent time with her; it was like having my mom back for those precious times together.
It was now the point in time, where the body said: no further.
The mind and the spirit were brilliant until the very end.
She left us, with a smile on her face; a glint in her eyes.
We were smiling through our tears, as she faded away.
The days leading to us bringing her to her final resting place were days where the family came together as one. In love, in strength, and in acceptance that she is gone.
Memories were written down, shared, and photos and examples were sought to make the memory complete.
The extended family counted more than 130 hearts that love her. All were there, and the few who couldn't be joined to us, via "live stream".
She was carried in by the children.
We sang songs that she loved.
Saw photos of who she was.
Stories were told of her, that made us laugh and cry with recognition and reflection. Her eldest son spoke from the heart, eloquent and with the warmth that reflected her, and the family she raised.
The hundreds of people who were present didn't feel like hundreds, but of one kindred spirit honouring her spirit. We were all connected, through her and her life.
Her grandchildren used their musical talents and voices to surround us all with the music that she so loved. Even writing a song for her, and this moment of farewell.
There was no sea of flowers, bouquets. Only branches, greenery, and twigs from her precious garden. Lovingly arranged to cover the top. She loved nature in it's purest form. Not flowers forced into a bundle, but a gathering of flowers and branches that she had garnished on her walks through her garden.
Words were said, the last song quietly ebbed away. We stood, respectfully as the granddaughters carried her out to the waiting car. Silently we followed to the resting place.
Once there, the grandsons gently picked her up, putting her between them, on their shoulders as they walked the final distance to her spot. Hundreds of us followed. Family first, friends thereafter. I can only imagine how emotional this last walk must have been for the family. Seeing how many people who loved her....walking with them, in this moment of grief and final farewell. Everyone supporting each other.
As we reached her spot all gathered around. We said our prayers, sang the benediction and blessed her as she was lowered into her grave, by her grandsons. As they put down the ropes the family in its entirety stepped forward to complete the task.
Now that I look back on what I witnessed, I understand it. It makes complete sense to me. It finishes the task that they had done. From washing, dressing, and preparing her for this final journey, they would also now complete and close this chapter. So to speak.
Each and every family member helped to close the grave. At first, the grandsons began. The emotions that they were wrestling with, were now given action to help release the grief. It was cathartic for them. Then the children, grandchildren were able to help. Some had brought flower bulbs to be put in the soil. Others had planted seeds. So perfect and beautiful. Each action had been personal and lovingly thought out. It was everyone saying their own personal goodbye to an amazing woman.
I have been to many funerals, but I have never, ever been to one so beautiful, and a true celebration of a soul who was so loved. Simple, pure, and honest.
My dear aunt....thank you for your love.
till we meet again. In the forever garden of Heaven.
I have peace with it.
It is good and it is well to let go....and say farewell.
There was no other possibility.
No other options, or opportunities to avoid this moment.
She was the last living connection with my mother.
They were so alike in looks, character, and mannerisms.
When I saw her and spent time with her; it was like having my mom back for those precious times together.
It was now the point in time, where the body said: no further.
The mind and the spirit were brilliant until the very end.
She left us, with a smile on her face; a glint in her eyes.
We were smiling through our tears, as she faded away.
The days leading to us bringing her to her final resting place were days where the family came together as one. In love, in strength, and in acceptance that she is gone.
Memories were written down, shared, and photos and examples were sought to make the memory complete.
The extended family counted more than 130 hearts that love her. All were there, and the few who couldn't be joined to us, via "live stream".
She was carried in by the children.
We sang songs that she loved.
Saw photos of who she was.
Stories were told of her, that made us laugh and cry with recognition and reflection. Her eldest son spoke from the heart, eloquent and with the warmth that reflected her, and the family she raised.
The hundreds of people who were present didn't feel like hundreds, but of one kindred spirit honouring her spirit. We were all connected, through her and her life.
Her grandchildren used their musical talents and voices to surround us all with the music that she so loved. Even writing a song for her, and this moment of farewell.
There was no sea of flowers, bouquets. Only branches, greenery, and twigs from her precious garden. Lovingly arranged to cover the top. She loved nature in it's purest form. Not flowers forced into a bundle, but a gathering of flowers and branches that she had garnished on her walks through her garden.
Words were said, the last song quietly ebbed away. We stood, respectfully as the granddaughters carried her out to the waiting car. Silently we followed to the resting place.
Once there, the grandsons gently picked her up, putting her between them, on their shoulders as they walked the final distance to her spot. Hundreds of us followed. Family first, friends thereafter. I can only imagine how emotional this last walk must have been for the family. Seeing how many people who loved her....walking with them, in this moment of grief and final farewell. Everyone supporting each other.
As we reached her spot all gathered around. We said our prayers, sang the benediction and blessed her as she was lowered into her grave, by her grandsons. As they put down the ropes the family in its entirety stepped forward to complete the task.
Now that I look back on what I witnessed, I understand it. It makes complete sense to me. It finishes the task that they had done. From washing, dressing, and preparing her for this final journey, they would also now complete and close this chapter. So to speak.
Each and every family member helped to close the grave. At first, the grandsons began. The emotions that they were wrestling with, were now given action to help release the grief. It was cathartic for them. Then the children, grandchildren were able to help. Some had brought flower bulbs to be put in the soil. Others had planted seeds. So perfect and beautiful. Each action had been personal and lovingly thought out. It was everyone saying their own personal goodbye to an amazing woman.
I have been to many funerals, but I have never, ever been to one so beautiful, and a true celebration of a soul who was so loved. Simple, pure, and honest.
My dear aunt....thank you for your love.
till we meet again. In the forever garden of Heaven.
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