Last Saturday we had a beautiful celebration of Mom's life. It was poignant, heart-felt and emotional, but those who spoke certainly had us smiling, laughing, singing and even clapping our hands in joy as we remembered many wonderful stories about Mom.
Dad, Katharine, Michael and I were so very grateful for the many people who attended, including many who had traveled far to be there. Mom formed such close, authentic bonds with people throughout her life; it was so beautiful to be surrounded by all of her family and her many kindred spirits. The only regret of the day is that we wish we had more time to spend with each of those who came.
We were also very fortunate to have a talented member of the First Baptist congregation record the service and put it on You-tube. The link to the recording is at: http://youtu.be/NlKbksw7vrI or you can search You Tube for A Service of Celebration & Thanksgiving for Denise Soares.
Of course a celebration of Mom would include talking about her life as "DeeDee". During the service, the grandchildren, grandnieces and nephews came forward and discussed with Pastor Don about what DeeDee had taught them about sand dollars - and then they broke open a sand dollar right there at church to release the sand dollar doves inside.
Photo of children with Pastor Don
Photo of a successful opening of the sand dollar
Children each receive a sand dollar dove to take with them
Katharine's nine year-old daughter Graylin shares our mother's love of writing and poetry. She wrote a lovely poem for DeeDee and showed great poise reading it at the service.
Photo of Graylin reading the poem
Someone asked if we could include here on the blog, and so here it is:
They’re giving it life
Just walking in a door
Will tell you
All you need to
Know.
You’ll be able
To tell
Who a person is
By their shelves,
Their collections,
What’s hidden in their nightstand drawers.
I know people with rooms full of books,
People who cover all space in collections.
There are people
Of the sea,
People of the air,
And people of their home
Then some people …
Are everything.
That was DeeDee.
I love the people
The ones who
Frolic and play.
Who live in the night sky,
And kiss the sun.
I know ones who
Collect the salty beach spray
And keep it in their hearts.
DeeDee did all of this.
A penny is worth more than one cent.
Every seashell and sand dollar
Has a story to tell
And few people see
The specialness,
The gift of unique life
In something, someone
So ordinary.
And then people who do
Can always live on,
For they caught love
In their own bare hands.
For those reading this by email, you can find the photos by going to followingdenise.blogspot.com
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Thanks for your notes of encouragement for Denise and family.
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