We attended a life remembered today.
Sharon had us coordinated in black dresses, more coverage than we’ve had since we got off the plane our first visit.
Kona wore pearls. Gus was a showpiece in black and white. Sharon had banned glitter.
I looked down the row of seats, all of us sitting together. It was a moment. Tonya on my right. Sharon on my left, then Kona, Gus, and Callie. We wore matching hair clips with big butterflies adorned with bright colors. And we all held hands, because at times like this, you need your family close.
Myrtle was in the front of the room, an arm around Charlie Anders. Charlotte, his wife, was still with us in spirit.
And you-know-who was off to the side, Joe helping her with his guitar.
Someday, I’ll write about the Anders. Charlie’s got lots of support right now, but in a few weeks we’ll visit. Maybe we’ll adopt him, but regardless, we’ll be sharing our memories of Charlotte with him, and maybe learning some new things, too.
After the songs, the stories, and a touching recording put together from their family videos and movies, we gathered ourselves, circulated, and eventually departed, together.
Everyone is getting a special hug this evening.
Some days remind us what matters.
-Mills
The Grace We Leave Behind
I deeply moved by this. "Love was hiding in the ordinary."
Thank you for this. Sending much love, warmth, and care.
Millie, “a life remembered” gives the gathering a tenderness that reaches beyond the service itself. The black dresses, bright butterflies, linked hands, and special hugs show grief being carried through small acts of coordination and closeness. Your thought of visiting Charlie in a few weeks may hold the deepest care here, since love often becomes most necessary after the songs end and the room grows quiet. Thank you for showing how family can widen around sorrow and help hold what one person should never have to carry alone.