Thursday, April 15, 2021

It Is Finished, and It Has Just Begun

 


On a beautiful sunny spring day we laid our sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend Ilene Grady to rest.



The deer were waiting in the woods to feast on the the casket flowers, which was a fitting end, since Ilene was done with them now and they could nourish to deer she also loved.

We brought the rest of the beautiful flowers back to Ilene's house, where the family and a few friends gathered in her sunny walled garden to spend time together. We shared food and stories and hugs and a few tears.

Ilene's Sons, Tim, Scott, and Stewart.
Cousins Ben, Stewart, Andy, Katie, Scott and Tim (thanks for the photos, Katie)
Ilene's grandchildren: Jamie, Stephanie, Timothy, Logan, Nicole, Daniel, and Jennifer.

And what one of the young whipper-snappers, probably over 50 himself, referred to the "Geriatric Set", sister Laurie, sister Linda and her spouse Tom, brother Don, cousin Kathleen and her partner Mike, and in the back row, brother Henry and his spouse Cindy.

After some family time, friends from the community were invited to join us. We met long time card  playing pals and lots of fellow teachers and parents and students from Ilene's teaching career. It was a wonderful celebration of Ilene's life.

And now begins the hard work of living without her. She was such an important part of so many lives. The realization that she is gone will take time to set in. The hole she leaves will never quite be filled.

Rest easy, Ilene. Your work here is over, and you can be proud  of a job so very well done.



18 comments:

  1. I'm glad that you were able to gather with family to celebrate your sister's life -- so important to mark the loss of a loved one and gather strength to move forward. I am holding you in my heart at this time of sorrow.

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  2. What a loving celebration of her life and contributions to others...

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  3. It is comforting when all the family can circle around to help ease the loss. Glad that you could spend that time together celebrating the life of a much loved member you will all miss.

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  4. A life so well lived will always be cherished by those who knew her.

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  5. I am glad you had such a fine gathering for her. It's so hard to lose a part of one's life in any circumstances.

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  6. It's really tough to realize that someone is gone and that things are over. Writing a tribute like this helps

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  7. Our condolences to you and your family. From these photos and your words, it seems your sister is leaving quite a legacy.

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  8. It must be a very difficult day for you, you were fortunate to have all your family around you.
    I love your sister’s smile it’s a beautiful photo of her.

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  9. It didn't rain! You had a lovely day to celebrate your sister. I am sure you will miss her forever.

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  10. While difficult, I'm sure it was a blessing to be able to gather and share your grief and love for your sister.
    Take care, stay well.

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  11. Linda, honey, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Have thoughts of you and your family held close to my heart.

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  12. Oh Linda, I am so sorry. That is such a beautiful picture of Ilene. You have certainly been in my thoughts.

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  13. I'm glad you had lovely weather for the celebration of Ilene's life. May she rest in peace.

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  14. Oh Linda, I'm so very sorry for your loss. What beautiful flowers on a beautiful day for a beautiful lady. I'm glad your family could come together to honor her with your love.

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  15. Beautiful photos and precious memories. So sorry for your loss.

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  16. The photos tell the story. She was much loved. Again, I send my condolences.

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