Words and memorial service date

I may be writing this for my own purposes but perhaps someone is still looking at the blog and is curious as to what's been happening since Anne's passing last Friday. On Friday Angela and Nancy spent the day preparing the house and Anne for the funeral. While the memory of that moment is painful I must say she looked absolutely beautiful. That evening Owen and I built a simple pine casket which was placed in the living room. Saturday morning Lucy and Leslie made some last minute decorating changes to massage room table where Anne was laid out to suit Anne's taste.People began to arrive around noon and were invited to decorate the casket with the various art materials on hand. There were many talented artists in the group among those who rendered wonderfully touching images and designs. As the day and evening wore on the box was transformed into a work of art. It's hard to say exactly how many people came that day but it seemed like the house was filled the entire time. A few people came on Sunday including my three children. Later that day Owen played violin for Anne. It was very moving. Steve had been playing guitar on and off that day which created a wonderfully soothing atmosphere. I can't bare to, nor do I think it's fitting to go into any of the details about Monday morning at the mortuary but it was at this point that the pain I was holding back came rushing to the surface. In the midst of my inconsolable state I suddenly felt Anne's spirit lift towards the heavens. I felt her and could see her spirit as if my heart had eyes. My chest immediately ceased its heaving and my breathing slowly returned to normal. I knew she was free. I was being held by Nancy and Angela who have been incredibly supportive to Anne and me throughout.

For me the world is no longer the same place. I don't know what that is about except that I have had the great gift of loving so deeply and completely it feels impossible to bear its loss. Slowly I will come to realize as the shock and the pain subside that the love remains and life goes on perhaps in some ways richer for the love thats been.

Thank you my beloved Annie. For our time together can not be measured by a calendar or clock but only by the bond we created which has felt like a life time. I love you and always will.

It may not be necessary give thanks to all of you who have been so supportive with prayers, words, thoughts, time and gifts of food, but I know that Anne has always been so grateful as have I. Thank you so much. It is wonderful to be a part of this loving community of family and friends

We are tentatively planning a memorial service on Saturday November 3rd. The location to be determined.


Much love to all,

Dennis