“Do you want flowers on the casket?” the funeral director asked looking toward me.
Thankfully, although the kids broke down each time we talked about arranging the funeral we had discussed the subject of flowers prior to my meeting with the funeral home.
“No. We will supply flowers for the service” I replied.
Later that afternoon, the Son, First Born, the Tween and I made our way to the only remaining florist in town whilst my DIL stayed in the car. She couldn’t make herself cross the road.
We asked the florist what sort of flowers she had that we could buy singly. The Son had decided he wanted bright coloured flowers to hand out to family and friends at the service. The only ones she had in bulk were gerberas. That suited us fine.
Arranging for someone to pick them up on the morning of the funeral, we quickly left. Organising this was much harder than we had anticipated.
The Gerberas were bought to the service by the Garden Gnome and it became my task to hand them out to family and close friends.
At the designated point in the service and to the sound of Il Divo crooning “Amazing Grace” each person came forward and placed their colourful offering on her tiny casket.
It was much more personal than an arrangement organised by the funeral home.
Today they are in a vase on my dining room table. Many of them have themselves died but one or two linger on. Like our angel, their beauty never faded.
Before their demise, I took one of each colour and photographed them.
Now their beauty and purpose will live forever along with the precious memories stored in our hearts.
This is so beautiful. What a moving tribute to a little life well-lived. Such a bouquet of love she left behind.
LikeLike
Thank you Mona.
I actually spoke about the legacy of love she left during the funeral service.
LikeLike
I have no words! Beautiful Suz, Blessings!
LikeLike
Thanks Cybele. 🙂
I wanted to photograph the flowers so there were lasting memories.
LikeLike
Oh what a beautiful service it would have been and so personal. I really like the single flowers that each person could put on the casket, it included everyone that way and yes much, much more personal. What a moving story Sue and then to see those flowers makes them so much more special and significant than just a flower in a picture. I think now whenever I see a Gerbera I will think of your special angel. Thanks for sharing what was a very difficult time for all of you xx
LikeLike
Thanks so much for your kind and gentle words Karen. You are such a wonderful friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
xx. Because sometimes there are no words.
LikeLike
❤ ❤
LikeLike
Reblogged this on galesmind and commented:
What a loving thing to do. The purpose of the ceremonies of death are to bring comfort to the living this did that and honored her as well. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reblogging Gale.
I appreciate your words and time. 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful Sue, nothing else to say.
Ian
LikeLike
Thanks Ian. ❤
LikeLike
Oh boy, what a tough time for all of you.
LikeLike
It is difficult but we are getting through it. Thanks so much Yvonne.
LikeLike
Touched by this Suzanne!
LikeLike
Thank you Old Fellow. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
i am so sorry and what a lovely gesture.
LikeLike
Thank you. We felt it was more personal and allowed everyone to participate.
LikeLike
What a beautiful gesture for all. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you my friend.
LikeLike
This is such a moving blog. My heart goes it to you and yours
LikeLike
Thank you so much Susi. ❤
LikeLike
The flowers are a wonderful touch to show the love. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you Glynis. 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful and touching. hugs and prayers for you and your family.
LikeLike
Thank you Miss Laura (as always).
LikeLike
You’re most welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very sweet, Sue. Beauty lasts forever.
LikeLike
It does. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful service Sue. The flowers are a unique and wonderful gesture. Really helps to make it personal for each attendee. It is so, so heart breaking to see such a wee one into their grave. I had to help a friend through a similar time and i don’t hink i have ever been so sad.
LikeLike
It was certainly so very sad but we all agree that we are so blessed for having known her for that short window of time.
LikeLike
The single flowers was a perfect thing to do, taking photos of them a stroke of genius. Now you have them forever to remember.
LikeLike
We do. I mentioned to my GG that I would like to print off a canvas for my kids now that all of the printing places have Christmas specials on but I’m thinking I’d like one myself to hang in my craft/computer room.
LikeLike
That sounds like a great idea. They’re lovely pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful idea…a single flower from each guest! It was so much more personable that way.
LikeLike
It was a great way to include each person. Thanks for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Planning a funeral, and finding the perfect way to celebrate their lives, whether short or long, is hard to do. I love how you added the personal touch, which made my eyes leak. Freezing time is also perfect, and I love the photos of sweetness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you April. Sadly I have learned through experience that healing occurs more easily when the funeral service is personalised.
LikeLike
Some day, I’m going to write about my one regret that is still haunting. I must not be able to speak about it, or write about it because obviously I haven’t even told my therapist. When I’m ready…
LikeLiked by 1 person
In your own time girl.
LikeLike
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person