Thanks to the many, many people who pitched in to help us pull this off, we had the memorial service for my mom-in-law on Saturday. We held it at the church where she and Rob attended for decades until their health and financial problems prevented them from going. Almost everyone who knew and loved her came out for food and fellowship and remembering the life she left behind. A lot of stories were shared, some of which were kind of eye-opening for Matt and me, and it became clear that one thing about our mom is absolutely certain: she was loved.
Putting it all together was stressful, but it was worth it. I think Matt, Rob and I got some much needed closure, as did Gina's friends, and it felt good to say a proper goodbye, and to see first-hand that she's missed by so many. I know it wasn't quite the sort of service that she'd envisioned for herself, but I think she would have been happy with it. It was a low-key gathering of everyone she loved, who loved her, and there were some tears, but there was also a lot of laughter. It was more celebration than funeral, as we celebrated both the life she lived and the fact that she's gone home to the Lord and is free of the hardships of this life. I think it was all much more her style than a formal, tear-filled ceremony would have been.
Thanks again to everyone who came out, who shared Gina with us, and endless thanks to everyone whose donations and support made this happen. I'll be making time for thank you cards this weekend, so watch the mail for those to arrive some time next week.
Love to all,
Jeanie & Matt
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