I remember the first time I spoke with Sarah, she was sitting by her Mom's bedside, companioning her in her final days.  She reached out to me to discuss the possibility of creating a special memorial followed by a graveside burial that would truly celebrate and honor her mom's life.  Dorothy, was to pass the following week and in the days after her death, I met with Sarah and her husband Brad, and reached out to her other children and family to listen to their stories and to learn how Dorothy touched and changed each of their lives. 

Incorporating music, prayers, poetry, psalms and personal writings, Dorothy's memorial service and graveside burial honored the truth of her life and the relationships she had with her family and friends.  We acknowledged her great courage as she gracefully met the challenges of her life.  We spent time speaking about her dedication to her 9 children (yes I said 9!), and the strength of character she possessed as a single mom, who worked full time.  We honored the gifts she passed onto her children, family, friends and co-workers and her passion for crafts, gardening and travel to Hawaii.   As a Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend, Dorothy has left a legacy of love, generosity of heart, courage, strength of character and indomitable spirit that lives on in those that remain. 

Her funeral was indeed a tribute and celebration of her life and it was truly an honor to create and officiate at this heartfelt ceremony.