Memorial

Flowers which we have received laid out at home for this picture.

Picture of Kendra in chapel.

Kendra's memorial service was beautiful. We were amazed by the number of people who attended. We estimated that there was more than 120 people there. We just want to say a big thank you to everyone who attended and to those who were unable to attend but whose thoughts were with us. The minister gave a lovely sermon and a friend sang 2 songs - The Rose and Candle in the wind - for us. We asked Janine to read our eulogy and she did a very good job. Neither of us would have been able to. Gathry's mother said a few words - thank you Mom, what you said meant a lot. Kendra's godmother also said a few words, thank you Yvonne. Then the family took Kendra's ashes and some of her favourite toys down to the ash grave and said our last goodbyes. Everyone else joined us and the minister said a prayer. Kendra's nanny then sang a final lullaby, which was very touching. Then everyone came and paid their respects to the family.

Words cannot express what it meant to have all the people from various walks of our lives there. I know that for some who have also experienced losses themselves in the past few years, it was extremely difficult and I really appreciate that you were able to be there. As you can see from the picture above, we have received an awesome amount of flowers. That picture does not even have everything as some were left at the memorial park and some which arrived early had already wilted. I also want to thank everyone who helped in any way. You all know who you are, it would be impossible to list everyone. You all have a special place in our hearts.

The service, as beautiful as it was, was obviously very difficult for us all. People have said that I was brave for not crying much but I think I was in a bit of a daze. I was just not able to cry. I think if I had started then that would have been the end of me. I hope I managed to speak to everyone there, if I did not get to you then I apologise. I have been keeping myself very busy with the family since then just to keep my mind occupied. Now that organising the service is out of the way, there will be more time to think and reflect on what we have lost. As many people have said to me that they don't know what to say to us, so it is difficult to express in mere words how we are feeling. Our little angel is gone. I know she is in a happier place and is still with us in spirit but there is a big hole in all of our hearts which will never go away.