Saturday, April 01, 2006

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.

10 comments:

overactive-imagination said...

I am one of those people who never know quite the right words to say but I want you to know that your famly and sweet Kendra have been in my thoughts and prayers and that of my entire family as well.
I'm sure it was a beautiful service. Grieve as you will, when it comes to you and in your own way.Kendra will always be a part of who you are.
My thoughts continue to be with you.
Dawn

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. Your daughter was so sweet. I can tell by that picture that she had quite a cute personality. I hope yu are abloe to find some sort of peace during this horrible time.

I can't even imagine your pain.

Anonymous said...

I only know you from Tertia's link but I read your entire blog. My heart bleeds for you and my condolences go out to you and your family. She was a beautiful girl. I'm sorry I don't know what else to say but I am praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

V,

my heart and prayers are with your family. thank you for sharing kendra with us, and for blessing us.

i cry as i write this, and i wish for you only peace.

C@

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

My heart breaks for you. What a beautiful little girl!! What a wonderful life she had with you! Sending you lots of hugs, and praying for god to watch over Kendra. Again, what a BEAUTIFUL little girl.

halloweenlover said...

Here via Tertia as well. Your daughter had such a beautiful smile, and I'm so sorry to hear that she passed away. Many prayers being sent your way.

Anonymous said...

Another person here via Tertia.

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss.

The service sounds like it was beautiful. That picture of your little girl is so sweet. There is such joy in her face and I am sure that is how you will always remember her.

I hope you will keep writing if you can to give yourself an outlet for everything you are going through. My thoughts are with you and your family at this heartbreaking time.

L. said...

Her lovely smile shows all the joy she brought to all in her too-short time here. You are all in our prayers here, too.

Anonymous said...

Here via Tertia as well. Im thinking of you also. Im sure you've heard it a million times, but how lucky you were to have her in your life- even though the time was not long enough. I wish you peace.

 
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