The logistics of things when a loved one passes away are interesting. There are so many little details that need taken care of... and yet, for most people; it is a time when the last thing they can realistically do is to make any kind of decision.
It's just too much.
Fortunately, my parents were open to these kind of discussions several months ago.. and we were able to "flesh out" some of the little things... what songs they like... what kind of service they like... what kind of headstone... where the burial plots are... cremation... memorial services... we even talked about flowers and places for people to make donations should they want to. We talked about dispensation of personal belongings.. and so much more. It was difficult... but at the same time... I can't imagine trying to make some of the decisions we have been faced with these past couple of days... if we had not had that kind of input from my father.
And so... this week is filled with those kind of tasks.... writing of obituaries, selection of songs/ verses/ and the formalities of memorial services... etc. The phone has been ringing almost constantly with the well wishes of family and friends... people whose lives have been touched by the kindness and generosity of spirit that my dad showed to everyone he met.
I have been trying to take my mom on a short drive daily... just to get her out of the house and away from some of the chaos and such. Today we drove a little around town, and happened to stop at a local church garden to see the flowers. The photos for today's post are from that garden.
Fortunately, my parents were open to these kind of discussions several months ago.. and we were able to "flesh out" some of the little things... what songs they like... what kind of service they like... what kind of headstone... where the burial plots are... cremation... memorial services... we even talked about flowers and places for people to make donations should they want to. We talked about dispensation of personal belongings.. and so much more. It was difficult... but at the same time... I can't imagine trying to make some of the decisions we have been faced with these past couple of days... if we had not had that kind of input from my father.
And so... this week is filled with those kind of tasks.... writing of obituaries, selection of songs/ verses/ and the formalities of memorial services... etc. The phone has been ringing almost constantly with the well wishes of family and friends... people whose lives have been touched by the kindness and generosity of spirit that my dad showed to everyone he met.
I have been trying to take my mom on a short drive daily... just to get her out of the house and away from some of the chaos and such. Today we drove a little around town, and happened to stop at a local church garden to see the flowers. The photos for today's post are from that garden.
When I saw the bee in the top photo... I was devastated because I thought he was dead. He was so big and round and perfectly adorable-- and I was crushed to think of one more being dying right now. And so... I gently touched him... and was surprised when he sat up and started to climb up the lens of my camera.
I am not sure if bees dream... but this little guy sure was taking a little siesta amongst the zinnias :)
*photos by Elaine A. Russell