Butchart Gardens in Canada — she always wanted to see this place again
All,
I apologize that I can’t contact you all directly, but email is easiest way to communicate my mom’s passing. If you’re getting this message, you’ve had some impact on my mother’s life either directly or indirectly. For that, thank you.
She passed away June 9, 2012, at 10:41 p.m. after her bout with tongue cancer. While this is difficult for the family, we’re supported by your prayers, kindness, and thoughts.
Her wish is that there not be a memorial service per se, but rather a viewing, lasting throughout Sunday. We welcome family and friends to visit, pay last respects, and recall good times. Please feel free to drop by the funeral home as your schedule permits and stay as long as you’d like. Family will be from early morning to late at night. We’ve a private room and comfy seating.
Fellow members of the Sukyo Mahikari Center are welcome to come give Light as is our custom; everyone is welcome to offer prayers … or not … according to your beliefs. Mom was nothing if not broad-minded. 🙂
I’d like to share some of her thoughts on life and death. Her view of death is that it’s a natural process, a part of life. Sad, yes, and difficult, but in parallel, passing away means you’re leaving a place, so necessarily you’re going somewhere. Seen in that way, death is a birth of sorts. Our belief is that it’s cyclical. Many faiths and traditions teach this in some form or another.
Her belief–and mine–is that accordingly, this birth is a positive thing, therefore an occasion for happiness. Sadness and joy contrast, but can exist together. While mom no doubt appreciates our love as evidenced our pain in losing her, I know that she wants us to smile, too. Perhaps it’s a little too much to say she’d want to put the “fun” in funeral, but regardless, she loves to see people happy. (And I think she would appreciate jokes and laughter as well.)
The funeral home is A.S. Turner & Sons:
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033
Thank you in advance for your presence, prayers, and thoughts at her passing; these are most welcome and the most meaningful. Ever the gardener and most alive when in nature, mom would certainly welcome flowers. Two organizations were instrumental in her care and comfort during her illness: Emory University’s Winship Cancer Center and Our Mom’s Personal Care Service. Please join me in expressing gratitude for their kindness. And thank you for yours.
With love and gratitude,
Derek
« Wave Day of Birth »
Derek,
I have been where you are. A curious place you did not wish to enter where sadness and joy, relief and longing and pure energy with complete exhaustion surround you wherever you go. You think to yourself, “The person in that body gave me life and much more. She is the only person I can call Mom. I am an orphan. I am blessed. I am special to have had her. Hopeless, I cannot bring her back. Doubtless, I can go to her.”
D-Man You are one of the best men I’ve ever known. No rational human being could surmise that happened by accident…or that you crafted yourself completely on your own. Everyone who knows you is sad, as it is a difficult time. But mostly they/we all know that the very special, kind and loving and gentle and strong person we see reflected in you is no longer among us. But you are here. And for that I am glad. Love you my friend.G
sorry for your loss brother. your mom was a great human being. she always treated me like one of the family. she will be missed.
Just seeing this now, Derek. Very sorry for your loss. Remember that grief is an oddly selfish emotion, in which we say “Woe is *me.*” Concentrate on your mom and what wonderful adventures she is living (if that’s an appropriate term!) now, and your sadness will be minimal. Prayers to you and yours!
Tom Pender