There is another person that shall not go unnamed, my sister-in-law, Gail, she has always been such an inspiration to me as a woman, a mother, and a wife, but the amount of support and help that she provided for the service was amazing. Having her create this beautiful program for the service took so much off my plate.
Patti did a beautiful ceremony all by herself one early morning to separate her ashes. I was too scared to do it and Patti took it upon herself to have an amazing spiritual moment with Mom while sitting in the morning sun gazing at the Tetons. Here is the photo of the alter as it grew.
The morning turned out to be quite hectic. Patti headed over the hill to meet Mickey and to pick up the flowers for after the service. The bad news was that on their return a car caught on fire on the Jackson Pass and they ended up turning around to take the long way around Palisades Reservoir. The service was pushed back by about an hour. The crazy thing was that there was a wedding going on at the summit and if we would have gone at the original time we would have had to wait for the wedding to finish. Because of the car far the timing was perfect.
We took time for family photos before the ceremony.
This picture right hear means the world to me, there is so much love in this picture. Thank you all for those that were able to make the trip.
Patty opened the ceremony with a beautiful Indian smudging ceremony.
Tristan had asked Patti who was spreading Mom's ashes? When Patti said she was not sure Tristan asked if he could do it. This melted m heart. After asking the rest of the family is was decided that Tristan could have this honor.
My friends Selena and Suzette honored Mom with the reading of "The Song Of The River"
by W.R. Hearst
Steve, Gail, Tex and I looked on with pride as Carrie and Tristan sang "I Can Only Imagine"
by Mercy Me acapella
The Eulogy was read by Gail in Nita's absence who could not make the trip because of medical reason. I was so sad when Juanny called saying she was going to be unable to make the trip and I was so thankful that Gail could step n and read that for her.
Tristan then stepped up to spread Mom's ashes.
Patti had arranged to release butterflies in Mom's honor, she always had a special love for butterflies so the was just beautiful.
The children and grandchildren tossed flowers
We concluded with the entire group singing Amazing Grace and then Angee closing in prayer by reading a short reading by Mary Elizabeth Frye I know how hard this was for her after recently loosing her Mom so we were truly honored that she had the courage to take part in the ceremony.
After the service we enjoyed a beautiful ride down the mountain.
We all met back at the house for an amazing dutch oven dinner put on by Kevin, Suzette & Selena.
I don't think I have ever been so cared for. I can not thank everyone enough. This weekend was everything that I had imagined and more. I miss Mom every day but I know that she loved this celebration with all her heart. A part of me is at ease knowing this step in her journey is complete but I still have a promise to keep with her by carrying her up the mountain on horse back. I will be working on that for next summer.
