Charles' Life Celebration: Pictures and Thoughts
To me it felt more like a Charles fireside, than a Charles funeral. I insisted that there be no casket, and no viewing, or anything awful like that. It was so much better for the kids that way, and for everyone, I think. I wanted it to feel like Charles lives, because he does. His time on Earth has come and gone, for now, but he lives on, and we will be together again. Earth life is such a short span of time compared to the eternities. I wish Charles could have had more time with us, but he lived more in his 37 years than most people do in a longer lifetime. He has left a beautiful life legacy for us to cherish. I will write more about his legacy in the future.
I am so grateful to all who participated in the program. I am so grateful to those who helped decorate, those who created slideshows, those who performed music, those who spoke, those who helped with my children, those who helped in the kitchen and with the food, those who helped set up chairs, those who came to support our family, and those who helped with every little detail -- thank you, thank you, thank you!
In the future I will write more about the details of this event, and my feelings about it. I am trying to keep things current on the blog, so I can remember, and go back to them in the future in greater detail, when I have more time, and more energy to share more personal feelings. I will say it again, if you are not keeping a record of your life -- start today. I have years, and years, of Charles' journals, and my blog of everything we have done to look over and cherish. It is so precious to me now. Write. Down. Your. Life. When you are gone from this earth, it will mean everything to those you leave behind.
Here are some pictures from the event...
I wanted to celebrate who Charles really was. He was not a white suit and tie -- he was a cowboy at heart. Those are his boots, guitar, belt, and hat.
Our van Ormer family theme for Trek was, "Find Courage to Continue." We had our banner out in the front entry as people came in, the banner is a great treasure of mine. That banner is now my personal motto.
Find Courage to Continue…
Look how adorable Charles is in our Trek picture…precious. He was in his element pulling handcarts, being strong, giving service, and dressed like a cowboy. Trek was the first time Charles grew out his beard. Most of the time Charles was clean-shaven, but he is beautiful with a beard. When Charles passed away, he had a beard. Even in my overwhelming grief, it made me smile. I am sure Charles was very pleased that he had a beard to meet Jesus. I don't know why, but that was one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind after he took his last breath. I imagined him hugging Jesus, his brother, his Savior. The similarities in their physical appearance (including the beard) made the image very powerful for me. I imagined the total joy that Charles must have felt to finally be free.
He is free. He is with Jesus. And somehow, despite my grief, that makes me happy.
This TREK picture has a story all its own. We had a special copy made and framed for the entry way of the celebration, but we have not been able to find it. It was supposedly on top of a car at one point, we have retraced every step and roadway, and we have found nothing -- it is missing. I am still convinced the missing picture has a story of its own...
More to be written on the Life Celebration in the future…
The foyer was beautiful. I'm glad you got pictures of it. I loved the video with the songs...especially the one from "Paint Your Wagon". I didn't get to see all of the video though. Will you put that one on your blog at some point? I remember when we watched that with you guys. Charles was so excited to show us that movie. Great memories. :)
ReplyDeleteMari there has not a day gone by that I have told someone about Charles and your family and his passing. I was inspired to tell the young women about you yesterday and your strong testimony. Thank you for being my friend. Your words help me so much. I have so many fond memories.
ReplyDeleteThat day changed my life. Thanks Mari.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the box with the invitation to share a memory of Charles, so if it's okay--here's mine. It was at Rich and Barb's house, where Barb had organized a game night for the two Dunn couples and Charles and you. I can't remember the name of the game, but it was like that old Newlywed game show. The questions ranged from silly to embarrassing and totally revealing--but the whole time, I was impressed with Charles's sense of humor, his honesty and openness, and his devotion to you.
ReplyDeleteNo words to say except, I hope you drank enough and in turn your night was not full of as much sadness as it could have been. It was a pleasure to spend time with Samantha talking about loosing a parent. Having a perspective such as mine is quite different from others, know that I live down the road. It was also a pleasure to be a part of such a private moment in your life. Thank you friend, thank you.
ReplyDelete