A week ago Monday evening, the funeral home that took care of my Mom's funeral arrangements hosted 'An Evening of Remembrance' at one of our local churches to honor those that have passed during the year 2012.
All of our family that is local came to the service. We took up a whole row!
A very talented trio of ladies sang some Christmas songs, we all sang Christmas carols and there were words of encouragement spoken to help each of us through this time of year, the first Christmas without your loved one.
A dove with the loved one's name on it was given to each family to be placed on the Christmas tree during the service.
When Mom's name was called Dad went up to place the dove on the tree.
It was a beautiful service and time of remembrance. I think the encouraging words that were spoken during the service seemed to help everyone.
The families were allowed to take the dove home to put on their own tree.
And today, on 12-12-12, Mom would have turned 82. My Dad, sister and I went to 'visit' Mom and place a gorgeous poinsettia by her grave marker.
She is buried in a lovely, well-kept National Cemetery near the house.
There are strict rules at the Cemetery regarding flowers but during the month of December you may leave an arrangement. I can't remember if it's only poinsettias or if other flowers are allowed. But, since December is Mom's birthday month and Christmas I believe poinsettias are perfect.
Dad will go back and get the poinsettia after Christmas and plant it in his garden.
What a lovely way to remember Mom every time he looks at it!
Last Monday evening and today could have been really difficult but we all know for a fact that our Mom/wife/sister/Grandmother is in a much better place celebrating in a way we can only imagine for now and we know that we'll see her again one day!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
Till next time,
