celebration

My mom did not want a memorial service. After her death, we discussed what we could do to celebrate her life in a way that she would have liked.

One of things she absolutely loved to do was go out to eat. It was her one pleasure in life outside of a weekly trip to Target. Her world had become so small because of her immobility and a meal out and a trip in the motorized cart up and down the aisles at Target was a delight. Her favorite restaurant was Outback. That woman loved her beef….filet mignon, broccoli with a piece of lemon and salad with ranch dressing. She would have eaten that meal every night and never grown tired of it. But– what she loved even more was taking the whole family out to eat.

So, a week ago Saturday, we held her Celebration of Life Service – at the Outback. I know – it’s unconventional and some may find it sacrilegious but for her and for us, it worked. My brother came up from Orlando. He, my children and their spouses, my husband and a dear friend, Jenn, (who has her own story to tell about her relationship with my mom) all gathered at Outback. We asked for a table for nine. There were eight of us. The chair next to me was hers.

When it was time to order drinks, I ordered her one. It was an ‘adult’ beverage because my mom loved an occasional drink and with her diabetes, she rarely indulged. We cheered her name and then passed the drink around the table, all taking a sip. We ordered good food, we told stories, we talked about the changes that had occurred in her over the last two years and we celebrated the healing that had happened. We laughed and we cried. For 2 ½ hours we talked about how God had met her with love, her response to that love and in turn, her impact on our lives as she was able to receive and give love in a new way. It was the beautiful time.

Unconventional, yes. Meaningful – you betcha. It was the perfect service for her and for us.

Mom – you would have loved it.
Miss you –
Love, Debbie Sue

Photo by rustyshaver http://www.flickr.com/photos/22289451@N03/2642554227/