September 2026 Island Trip – Day 6

We held the Celebration of Life for my folks this afternoon. It was a just what I hoped; a gathering of people who loved and appreciated them, and found delight in being together. I saw hugs that come with recognition of friends not seen for too long. My heart is full.

My middle daughter and DH were on deck with me all day. A friend who knew my father and is a member of the grange stopped in early to help my DH get the AV going, then returned for the gathering, and then stayed to help put things away. My daughter never stopped, except to pause to change her clothes before things got started. From the moment she arrived to the moment we left, her only down time was listening to shared stories, during which she shared stories. My step-daughter and her friend arrived, taking over for my kiddo while she returned to her hotel to change, asking me, ‘what’s next’ making last minute tasks (when things get dense) so much easier. And when folks started arriving (early 😏), my family kicked me out of the kitchen and allowed me to enjoy the afternoon. I can’t thank them, and all those (50ish) who attended, enough.