Packed house, pouring into an overflow room at First Christian Church, even if the Daily Bee did announce on its front page above the fold that the service would begin at 2 p.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery. Folks figured it out and arrived pretty much on time to honor the memory of a local angel.
A simple service: reflective words from a college friend, words from a well-spoken minister to a family, powerful lifetime images accompanied by poignant country songs, words from Mangy Moose Acres blog with a focus on Jenny's prophetic Memorial Day observations of May 23.
The sun showing itself for a few minutes from funeral's end and through the gravesite ceremony.
Grace, wearing spiffy, red cowboy boots, being hugged at the grave site by a 7-year-old friend.
"I'm sorry your mother died," he said to her.
"It's okay," she reassured him.
A revelation from one of Jenny's classmates, caught offguard by her passing. She immediately sat down and contacted everyone she could think of who means something to her and let them know that she cares about them.
A monument right next to Jenny's grave, reading "Roberta Ann Bostock." Two wonderful young women of long local roots leaving us too soon, lying eternally side by side. Fitting.
The word didn't get out to everyone, but many of us wore jeans. Many wore their "Celebrate Life" shirts. A lasting mantra, honoring one who did it well.
Honor Jenny. Celebrate your life and the lives of those you love. Every day.
2 comments:
Thank you for capturing these thoughts and images. My spirit was there all day, alongside you, Jeff, and Jenny. What an indelible mark of love that has been placed upon us. We are lucky to have know her and each other. Let us celebrate every day forward with love, kindness, laughter, and zest. With much love, Krisianna
Thank you for this beautiful post. I was one of Jen's roommates in college (my friend April spoke at the funeral). I now live in the DC area and could not come out for the funeral, which was very crushing for me. Thank you for helping me to be there. I really appreciate the connection...thanks to Lili Dot's visiting of my blog (I put up some pictures of Jen from college) (https://www.shawnandsara.blogspot.com).
Thank you! -S
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