Our whole family met for dinner on Saturday night at Reed and Dorothy's chapel. Their ward provided the food. We took bets on the menu for it seems that ham and "funeral potatoes" are the usual fare on such occasions. Sure enough, that is what we had! Plus other good things. It was predictable but also very good. Our family has been so taken care of through all of this.
Saturday night was the memorial for Carmen. A crowd was anticipated since so many in the Brentwood community took an interest in Carmen. Sure enough, people filled the chapel and cultural hall. The program was an interesting one since Reed and Dorothy themselves were the keynote speakers. They and their boys provided the whole of it. The older boys made brief comments, Timmy gave an Article of Faith and Vincent sang the first verse of "Families Can Be Together Forever" with the rest of the cousins singing the rest together. Dorothy's talk was inspirational and beautifully done, with emotions contolled but present. Reed gave a sermon like I've not heard before, put together like a clear-cut puzzle. A young man sang a song for Carmen written by Reed. It was all quite well-done and unlike any memorial I've ever attended. It was great, but of course I am a bit biased.
After the program we were greeted by so many friends! Many had come from distances to be there. It was wonderful to feel so embraced! I feel grateful for the love of friends. And so the patterns of farewell are over for our little girl. Now it is up to us to adjust to her absence.
On Sunday our newest little granddaughter, child of Ben and Jessica, was blessed in Palo Alto. She was given the name of Abigail CARMEN. I cannot say how tender I feel about her name. It is a little piece of Carmen that will renew itself every time we say her name. Abigail is a peaceful little child, willing to put up with attention from the smallest to the biggest of us. We celebrated her life at Ben and Jessica's with dinner, photos, games and chatter. Life comes and goes, even in our small world. I'm grateful for the goodness that fills our lives in spite of all the sorrows.
Above is Reed and Dorothy's favorite picture of Carmen and a picture of Abigail in her blessing dress.
1 comment:
i'm sorry i haven't had a chance to catch up lately. i hope you know that john and i think of you often and pray for you and your family. i'm touched by what has happened in your family and want you to know that while i can't fathom the roller coaster this must have been, you have my sympathy and joy, whichever you need.
we're not sure when we're coming to ca next, hopefully soon. let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
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