Week 1: Quality

[adoptedwriter]

     Yesterday, while so many people I know were out there protesting, (which I think is awesome and something I would have liked to have done), I was getting dressed for and attending a three-hour celebration of life for a neighbor. (Technically the 37-year old daughter of a neighbor, but a “kid” who lived near us until her college time.) My daughter, MermaidFan, was a friend of her sister’s, and all these girls began their early years in the same day care center before advancing on to K-12 school together. In other words, we all go way back.

 

     The gathering was amazing. The afternoon was filled with beauty, magic, warm hugs, a few laughs, music and excellent eulogy-type speeches. A quartet of singers, opened the celebration with a lovely rendition of Sting’s “Fields of Gold”, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLVq0IAzh1A), and  eight presenters, including the deceased’s mom, dad, sister, aunt and three friends spoke. One friend shared memories from their childhoods. One reflected on their college years and the third basically gave tribute to the whole family and their overall kindness without judgement toward anyone who needed something. 

 

     What impressed me most of all was the fact that once you became a friend of this family, and especially the deceased sister, you became a forever friend. You became a 100%, all-the-time, important person in her eyes and that would never change. Even though I personally didn’t know “M” as well as I knew the younger sister and their mom, I lament the fact that this family is no longer complete. It happened too soon. It’s one of those, “I can’t even” things. After losing one of my own sisters in April, this hits harder than I expected.

 

     “M” was only 37, but she’d led a full life of learning, reading, diverse friendships, fine food, fandoms, travel, career success and love. Her time was too short, but she lived her life well.

 

You can’t do better than that.

 

Comments

[fausts_dream]

37 years isn't long, but it sounds like she made a great impact in a lot of lives. This is a well crafted excellent tribute

[mallorys_camera]

❤️❤️❤️

[drippedonpaper]

So sorry for your loss. It's so great her family members were able to speak. I am not sure I could at a close family members funeral. Hugs to you.

[marjorica]

She sounds like such a special person.

[simplyn2deep]

Thank you for sharing this...what a touching tribute. It sounds like “M” was deeply loved and lived a meaningful, beautiful life, even if far too short. I’m so sorry for your loss, especially with the fresh grief of your sister’s passing. Holding space for both your sorrow and the quiet strength it takes to show up for others in moments like these.

[shirebound]

What a lovely and loving tribute to M, and her family. ♥

[xeena]

a beautiful tribute to her <3 it's so sad she passed away at only 37 but she had a great life while she was here and that is also a beautiful thing <3

[used_songs]

I love the notion of celebrations of life, although of course I'm very sorry about your neighbor.

[eeyore_grrl]

I'm sorry for the loss of someone far too young.
But it does sound like she lived a quality life.

[serpentinejacaranda]

Thank you for taking the time to craft such a resonant portrait and spread your memory of her to us all!

[roina_arwen]

This is a lovely tribute to M. Thank you for sharing.

[bleodswean]

Far too young. What a lovely tribute, P, to "M". A life of quality, indeed.

[halfshellvenus]

To make such a lasting impression on so many people is a life well lived, even if it's much shorter than anyone would like.

[erulissedances]

To be remembered with tears, smiles and bittersweet joy is really all any of us can hope for.

- Erulisse (one L)

[muchtooarrogant]

I have always loved the song Fields of Gold.

I agree with you, very sad that they lost such a young member of their family, but it does sound like she lived well.

Thank you for sharing the event with us.

Dan

[hafnia]

Oof, I'm in that age group, as are most of my friends. I would hate to lose any of them. I'm glad the memorial was a good one, and I like the conclusion you draw here ♥

[wolfden]

So sorry for your loss.

[vik_thor]

My sympathies on the loss of "M". It definitley sounds like her memories will be cherished by all who knew her. Wonderful tribute.

[gunwithoutmusic]

What a shame to be taken so early like that. :( At least it sounds like they spent those years surrounded by love.

[murielle]

I am so sorry for your losses. ❤

What a wonderful family. What a wonderful friend. And what a wonderful, yet too short, life she lived.

Thank you for sharing this with us. ❤

[legalpad819]

Yes, 37 is much too young. I'm sorry for your loss.

[rayaso]

This was a very sweet tribute to your friend and her family. 37 is far to short. It seems she had an impact on a lot of people.

[mollywheezy]

I'm so sorry for the loss of M. I'm glad the celebration of her life was a good one.

[alycewilson]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Given that she was your daughter's friend, I can only imagine how hard that hits.

[tonithegreat]

Awwww! It’s tough when a memorial is good but you’re still dealing with a loss. I’m glad there were uplifting vibes and sorry to hear of your loss.