Don's memorial was May 24th. Hosted by my brother-in-law, Pastor Chris Blaustone, it was a happy/sad celebration of my beloved, husband's life. It was attended by over 200 people and Chris kept it secular and lighthearted, as requested by me. Many came forward to share memories. Many came forward to share how deeply Don affected them - pre and post ALS diagnosis.
I decided at the last minute to host an "After-Party" at my house immediately following the memorial. During the memorial I was energetic and outgoing, running on the adrenaline of putting on a "show" and excited about the prospect of seeing family and old friends. By the time I arrived home, I was emotionally exhausted. I plopped on the couch, barely aware of family and friends setting up food and drink in my kitchen. Two days before, Jackie and I spooned out Don's cremains into little baggies for people to take with them. We wrote in permanent marker, "Bag O' Don" on each bag. Don did not want his cremains to be kept in an urn on the fireplace mantel - he wanted family and friends to take a piece of him to special places, leave him there, or continue on with him to other special places.
The highlight of the memorial was the video slide-show produced by the very talented, Jeremy Houtz. Here it is:
I decided at the last minute to host an "After-Party" at my house immediately following the memorial. During the memorial I was energetic and outgoing, running on the adrenaline of putting on a "show" and excited about the prospect of seeing family and old friends. By the time I arrived home, I was emotionally exhausted. I plopped on the couch, barely aware of family and friends setting up food and drink in my kitchen. Two days before, Jackie and I spooned out Don's cremains into little baggies for people to take with them. We wrote in permanent marker, "Bag O' Don" on each bag. Don did not want his cremains to be kept in an urn on the fireplace mantel - he wanted family and friends to take a piece of him to special places, leave him there, or continue on with him to other special places.
The highlight of the memorial was the video slide-show produced by the very talented, Jeremy Houtz. Here it is:
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