Hi Everyone:
How is life going for you? Traveling? Relocating? Looking forward to voting? Finding closure to something? I’m doing all the above and then some.
--Until late September, we had five urns in our house. Five. One cat, two dogs and two humans.
On Tuesday, October 1 Jeff and I fulfilled my parent’s final wishes of being buried together, in a double urn vault, in Douglas, Michigan.
Like their memorial, held on November 12, 2024, our intimate ceremony/tribute was lovely and true.
An October fall day in Michigan is a beautiful time of year. The sun was shining, the temperature was pleasant and the shade tree that my grandmother specifically chose for her family to rest under was soothing, heavenly.
If you’ve ever orchestrated an out-of-state burial you know that planning isn’t the easiest thing to do. At least it wasn’t for me. I must have called the local township a dozen times confirming that everything was in place. Nerves more than anything. And, unbeknownst to me, urns are heavy. Did you know that?
Delta Airlines couldn’t have been more accommodating and understanding to work with. They were sympathetic upon arrival and during inspection. (Expect the worst and you’re never disappointed?) Jeff and I both expected a mild hassle. We were prepared. Nothing. No hassle, no delay, nothing. Piece of cake.
We were so touched (albeit not surprised) that my cousins joined us.
The urn was lowered and covered and Jeff and I read bible verses:
Opening: Almighty ever-living God, you rule both the living and the dead and are merciful to all. We humbly beseech you, that those for whom we pour out our prayers may obtain pardon for their sins through your tender mercy. May they rejoice together, be blessed in your sight, and praise you without end. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
For Papa: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
For Mom: “But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Philippians 3:20-21
For Both: We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” Romans 6:4
Closure! Praise the Lord.
The end. Amen.
So, ya, I’m happy to have that duty over with. Closure.
And I’m especially happy Jeff, Kym, and Jodi were there with me.
I still remember many people who were kind and thoughtful after Mom’s passing. Cards, calls, and attendance by friends meant the world. So many people turned a somber time into a sort of spiritual bliss.
It seems odd bringing this up now, but the recent burial a couple weeks ago brought many special people to mind.
Thank y’all!
A final page has turned and I’m super excited to get going and give life all I’ve got to give for the next story’s content.
Thank you for reading!
Love, Shelley
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