There are no words to express my gratitude for the love, sympathy, condolences, e-mails, and donations I have received from my "family" here at Joan's place. You all have been my rock, and you have held me up this past week. It has meant so much to me to have all of you supporting me when I have needed you the most. I have read the condolences you have sent, and I tried to respond to e-mails as I got them, and I am very grateful for every word you sent. I can type about Diane, but I cannot talk about her yet.
The memorial service to celebrate Diane's life was yesterday. My sons went through all of my photos since I got married to scan them, and prepare a slide show of Diane's life, beginning with the pictures of her taken the day she was born and continuing through her swimming with dolphins last week. (My son just posted the pictures of her Hawaiian vacation on Facebook, so I copied them to my Facebook page for those who would like to see her.) The slide show was shown on two wall mounted screens on either side of the pulpit, and they chose 180 pictures of Diane, some of them with either her siblings or family portraits, and a lot of them were just of everyday life, and of her travels with us. After the service many commented that they loved the service and especially the slide show. We had purchased a white marble urn online, with dolphins in a circle on the front. It was beautiful, and everyone agreed she would have loved our choice.
Her sister loves scrapbooking and decorated several pages (and she included a picture of Diane on each page) for the guests to write on (instead of the normal guest signing book). We have placed them in an album with Diane's favorite picture of herself on the cover. We treasure all of the comments.
Diane's co-workers presented me with a box after the service that is beautiful - and filled with envelopes from each co-worker, who wrote of their love for her, and told special stories about her, and how much everyone will miss her. Several wrote of funny stories with Diane. One related the true story about the fact that Diane refused to go to Hawaii with white legs, so beginning three weeks prior to her vacation, she spent her lunch hours at the tanning salon. After the first week, she discovered that she was supposed to put the lid down! No one had told her how to use it! <grin> She was nice and tan when she left, anyway!
Today we all went to Diane's office to thank everyone, and to give them the souvenirs that Diane had purchased for her friends at work. They all got up and came to greet us and show us her desk, and tell us again how much they loved her. They all said that they would treasure their gifts from Diane. They told me to call them and come back and see them any time. They want me to attend a "celebration" that they are having tomorrow evening, but I can't do that yet. They had packed up all of her belongings for us and helped us get them to the car. We are waiting until tomorrow to start going through her things. I need more time.
I am so fortunate to have my three remaining children to help me through this, plus all of you who have given me so much love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for your beautiful post, Mary. You and your family have been our hearts and minds, and it was good of you to share with us. We'll be with you on the rest of the journey.
Mary, thank you for updating us. You are a strong woman and may you and your family stay strong through this very emotional time for you all. Peace be with you all.
Mary thanks for sharing this with us Mary. So glad we could be there for you and will continue to be in the days to come. Take all the time you need Mary.
Mary, thank you for sharing Diane with us, I love the story about the tanning, she must have been a beautiful women, keep her in you heart, and in time you will be able to talk freely about her, take care . Gail
Mary, that was a beautiful update. Thank you. I've only been swimming with the dolphins once, but it was a magical experience, I'm sure it was for Diane too. The urn you chose was so fitting. Have been thinking about you, and hope each day brings more healing for you and your family.
Mary, your wonderful description of Diane's service made me feel as though I were there. You write beautifully, keep journaling your thoughts about her, it may help a bit. I'm sure she is smiling down and very proud of you and her loving family. Meanwhile this family loves you very much and will ALWAYS be here for you.
((Mary)) I was so glad to see you had posted. I imagine everything is very difficult right now. I can understand why you can't talk right now, but am glad you are able to put voice to your grief through writing. Thank you for sharing your Diane with us ((hugs))
I lost it when I read about the dolphine urn *tears. Such a perfect choice. You have some wonderful children and I am very glad they are there with you. You all just need to hold on tight to eachother. You are deep in my heart and thoughts. Much love ((hug)) Nikki
Mary, Thank you for sharing your precious moments of the memorial. It brings me to tears. You are a special lady and will always be in my prayers {{{{HUGS}}}} JoAn