Thank you, all

Dear folks,

I think this will be the last post, in case some of you are still reading it. I thought I would try to write this immediately after the service, but I couldn't find the right words or the energy to write, until today.

Thank you for the astounding number of you who came to Terrie's memorial service. We estimate that there were about 350 - 360 people present; we had to open the back parking lot (which is just dirt) to provide the needed parking, and I know that our shy, gentle Terrie would be amazed that she touched so many lives. I know that the family really appreciated your concern and support.

Truly this service was directed by the Lord. Many of you volunteered to help or suggested something for the service. And the Lord just kept providing and directing people, thoughts, food, services. Here are some of the highlights:

• Since Marisa and Grandma Juanita had enough to deal with, Nancy and Pastor Pierre took the burden of planning and coordinating the service.
• When Marisa's schoolmates and staff realized that Terrie had gone to sleep in the Lord, the Oceanaires (the school choir) offered to sing at the service. Moreover, one of the members of a girls' quartet wrote a song just for Marisa and the quartet sang it at the service for her.
• Violinist and vocalist Beverly Blount rearranged her schedule in order to come perform Amazing Grace at the service -- we didn't know until the last minute whether she would be able to come.
• Linda and Pat found "By Faith I Stand", the song that opened the service, and which sums up so well Terrie's faith in God.
• The photos came from the family and from Sally.
• Sally had bronchitis, so Kirk graciously stepped in at the last minute to write and give the eulogy -- in spite of the fact that we don't know a great deal of Terrie's history.
• Although we had time to read only a few of sentences from the cards you wrote during the service -- Della even wrote a poem for Terrie -- it was very heartwarming for the family to receive your thoughts.
• On the previous Sabbath Debbie began asking people to help provide food for the post-service meal, and people willingly agreed. Some of you even brought more than we'd requested. And when the word went out on the telephone tree, many more of you called Debbie to ask what you could do to help.
• Originally we had planned a meal for 180 people, but so many people called to help that we had food for 220. Now, usually food for 220 does not feed 360 people, but the Lord stretched the food, as He did with the fishes and loaves: Not only did everyone have plenty to eat, but we had 3 lasagnas and 6 loaves of French bread left over!
• Then Lorraine and Jerry decided that the reception should look nice, so they brought tablecloths and all that was needed, and decorated the tables to provide a lovely atmosphere.
• After the meal many of you thought to help clean up in the kitchen, the fellowship hall, and the sanctuary -- and your help made everything go so much faster!
• So many of you stayed to speak with the family that they didn't leave the church until at least 90 minutes after the service -- what a comfort you all have been to them! What a gift you have given them, that they know that they are not alone in their grief.

Our lives and attention will necessarily return to the other tasks and issues that are part of daily living, but I know you will continue to remember Marisa and the rest of the family in prayer, and with occasional visits or cards. Please keep her in prayer, as Marisa's grief will affect her in various ways, for quite awhile. I don't know how Marisa will deal with her grief, but for me, even several months after my mom died, I wouldn't remember things that my husband told me -- he had to sit me down and remind me gently about commitments that we had made (and of which he'd already reminded me 3 times), commitments that I never remembered making or hearing, even after he reminded me. 

If you think of it, Marisa will appreciate receiving your just-thinking-of-you cards or notes even several months from now, and on the holidays or Terrie's or Marisa's birthday. A friend sent me a sympathy card and a note about four months after my mom died, and I really appreciated  it. In her note she just commented that she'd appreciated being remembered in her grief even months afterward, she just wanted me to know she thought Mom was a special lady and that she remembered.

Marisa will continue her school year at Monterey Bay Academy, and will be staying with a friend of the family much of the time. At least some of her weekends will be spent with Grandma Juanita, so there'll be some continuity there.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. May God bless you all, may you see and feel His mercy for you and yours, and may we all meet again on Resurrection Day, when our Lord comes to receive His own.

Under His mercy,

Marty