Celebration of life

Last night Mom's pastor, Terry Brillheart from the Grace Community Church, conducted a life ceremony for our mother. He said he knew that Mom wanted happy memories for everybody.

He said that at least once a month he would try to stop by and visit Mom here in Topeka. He said she would always manage to give him thoughts and passages to brighten up his day. "She lifted me up" was his thoughts on the visits. He mentioned that Mom stood with him and his family when their church split and kept faith that good things would happen if they prayed and kept positive. (I know she also contributed money to help) Terry then mentioned that he normally counseled couples when married them. He said that between Mom and Bill they had 107 years of marriage and he probably couldn't add anything to help them. He said that Bill told him the secret of 50 years of marriage. Twice a week go out to eat and have a candle lit dinner. Bill said that he went on Tuesday and his first wife, Mary, went on Thursday. Mom would have just as soon eaten Tater Tots from Sonic.

Pastor Brillheart then retold the story of the fork and knows mom is in heaven with her fork and secure that she is a better place.

After the conclusion of the celebration of life, we showed the video to those that didn't get to see it in Oklahoma. It was lovingly prepared by my niece, Rebecca Demauro. It looked so great on the big screen TV and it got rave reviews. I gave copies to Carol and Myrna and one to Janet to send to Amy in Birmingham. I have a copy for Kim and Carrie that I will share on Friday night.

The night was ended with good fellowship, Bierock's and pie.

Thanks to all those that attended and good thoughts to those too far away to attend. Mom would have been glad to see all and would have said , we'll miss you to those that could not attend. Mom, we'll miss you even though you will be in our hearts forever.

MUD