Comments on: A Celebration of Life

By: fromskilledhands

fromskilledhands — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:46:10 +0000

Thanks, Sheila. Today I am meeting the agency that will pick up the remainder of Dad’s things. We’re donating them to a group that gives,rather than sells things to people who are starting over. This feels right. Then I will finish cleaning the apartment and return the keys to the custodian. This feels pretty weird to me.
I still start to dial Dad’s number to tell him things….

By: getsheila

getsheila — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:11:21 +0000

What a beautiful tribute. I am sorry I am so tardy with this. Just catching up on my blog reading. I know the pain of loss will never go away but I hope it has eased for you in the past weeks, if ever so slightly.

By: fromskilledhands

fromskilledhands — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:46:46 +0000

Kris– I am so grateful that I was there when he died. His lived a good, long life; this was a gift in and of itself.

Rebecca–I, too, smile when I think of the celebration honoring my dad’s life. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

Joni– I am sending you warm thoughts and best wishes. I so understand what a difficult time this must be for you. It is so hard to find solace and balance. Life seems so slow and fast at the same time. It is the being more than the doing that gives meaning. Remember to take care of yourself.

By: Joni Lantry

Joni Lantry — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 03:30:36 +0000

Your message filled the pieces of my heart with comfort and melancholy. My mother, best friend, and artist with many awards, is very ill and somehow, your thoughts of your father eased my struggle slightly. I enjoy your establishment and will visit as often as I am nearby. Thank you for your words and your kindness.

By: Rebecca (felting and living sustainably in rural Ireland)

Rebecca (felting and living sustainably in rural Ireland) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 08:06:58 +0000

Glad you found me, and that I found your posts. I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my Mum a year ago to cancer, and my Dad passed on 7 years ago now, too. The illness phase was so difficult. The ceremony we had to celebrate their lives went down in the history of Ireland! Here there have only been religious funerals, both my parents wanted something different … we had readings of their favourite poetry, paintings of theirs, their easels and paintbrushes on display, photo albums, passages from favourite books and music they had chosen. Sounds like you had something similar and very beautiful. The memories of the celebration stay and bring smiles. Many people are still telling me years later that Dads funeral was something they had never seen before, and thoroughly loved being part of it. Mum loved it so much, she had already written hers, and chosen music etc, and even chosen and booked a venue! So thanks for your posts, they have roused feelings in me, tears, joy, and healing too. Thinking of you and your family.

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:21:01 +0000

My sympathies on the passing of your Dad. I’m happy that he lived a long and full life, and that you could be there for him at his passing.

By: fromskilledhands

fromskilledhands — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:48:52 +0000

Thank you Kris, Mom of Olivia and Jerome, and Meg,
My Dad would have had a wonderful time at his celebration! He was so clear about his choices and it was an honor to help him see them through. We all miss him.

By: Meg

Meg — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 03:07:45 +0000

I’m sorry for your loss. I can feel your love for him coming through these posts.

By: Mom of Olivia and Jerome

Mom of Olivia and Jerome — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:34:11 +0000

I’m so sorry for your loss…

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

By: kris

kris — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:43:35 +0000

Debra, I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds as though you provided a loving send-off for a well loved man.