The Dodd family grave in the back of the church evokes pioneer history. [Name] was my best friend, confidante, partner in crime, and one of the best people Ive ever had the honor to know. Eventually, I came to embrace the comparisonsproudly wrapping my arm around her (and sometimes giving her a playful pat on top of her head, which by then came up only to my chest) whenever a new friend, colleague, or stranger remarked on the resemblance. They returned to the States, where Marie was born. [], [] was pregnant with my second daughter and chasing after a toddler when my mom died. The speeches often contain a description of the person who passed away, the kind of person they were and personal memories that the person delivering the eulogy finds meaningful to share. I initially intended for it to be a poem, as thats the language that she loved best, but Im afraid I didnt inherit her poetic voice (or talents). She loved animals and nature. (We were young!). As I said in eulogizing her: "I suspect many of them were younger and healthier than she was. Long after we all left home, when Mom was 70 and my sister Trudi was 40, she decided to fulfill her bucket list. I love you and carry you with me always! But instead of giving up, she channeled her grief into a powerful force for good. Shannon McMasters' eulogy, written and read by her brother, Stephen, is a beautiful testament to a woman who Stephen describes as a "shining star that burned out too soon". When I was three, Peter made me eat a chemistry set (Peter ate it with me) and Dad had to pump our stomachs out. One Christmas when we all arrived Mom said they had noticed an awful smell in the house. Very late in her illness, when she had lost much of her mobility and was about to go into nursing care, she was still having her home health aide drive her to the houses of shut-ins to deliver them communion. If youve never planned and held your own unveiling ceremony, this task can seem daunting, but it doesnt have to be. Honor his memory by being kind and trying your absolute best. While not all of these memories are ""positive"", they are the ones that have stuck with me the most. After a couple of days of absorbing the shock and trying to erase that final image of my mothers lifeless body, I woke up that Monday morning feeling at peace. I know that having a close relationship with you, and your brothers Dillard and Dalford when they were still with us, was very important to her. She lost many of her close connections, not because she OR we didnt want them, but because she was trying to navigate her new reality that included mania, paranoia, and delusions. I had no idea the next time I saw you, you would be unconscious on your deathbed. It's because she was special and she knew how to make others feel just as special. He spent many hours in his workshop, creating beautiful pieces of art and furniture that will be cherished by his family for generations to come. She's gone. Grandfather? She'd lovingly refer to me as her ""Princess Charming"" -- a role I happily inhabited. Hi Bunnies, I know you loved your auntit shone out in your posts so, yes I think the dementia years need to be mentioned especially if you can touch on the beautiful side. You each played a role greater than you may know in her ability to continue bringing us blessings and love for 89 years. You can protect yourself. Who can forget the little brick office building, with cartoon characters on the inside walls? You were always there for me when I needed you. Rest in peace, Dad. My parents always got a chuckle out of that. It has been a difficult summer for my grandparents. and my first child. Our family has heard story after story of how Dad saved someones life. The travel books said the road from Tulum to Punta Allen was anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on road conditions. Assuming it was mine he said, Gee Nico, you are not that bad at maths are you! Unfazed, Dad confessed that the book was his and kindly explained how mental exercises helped preserve the functioning of his brain. His eyes would twinkle as he looked back at me. He described her as "The first sense of relief I felt on this earth." For those who don't know me, [Name] and I have been friends for practically our entire lives. Dementia Grief - What Are The 3 Stages. Those are the times that I keep in mind whenever I think of my dad, some of the best times of my life. He served on submarines in World War II, becoming a chief pharmacist mate; and at the time, was the youngest Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. Death is not the end! People didnt deliver meals or flowers. [Name] -- you were one of the most unique and special souls that has ever graced this earth. My life has been full of these warm memories -- I can't land on one. Dr. Richard Isaacson, a neurologist who has several family members with Alzheimer's, says even a few years ago, the idea of preventing that disease was dismissed as wishful thinking. She brought a light to our lives, she often instigated fun but was also patient when we stepped out of line. It was probably my nose or the shape of my face; perhaps the hazel eyes or brown, curly hair. Nope, we had birds and squirrels lined up on every single railing eating the seeds and peanuts placed out there by mom. Over the months that Dad lived with us, he would look in the mirror and he would smile at himself. In addition to the personal stories shared, Renee also includes a beautiful poem at the start which kicks off the metaphor of the Train of Life for the rest of the memorial speech. "Dementia" by Jane Hewitt The last few lines of Jane Hewitt's poem are its saddest. Written by Shelley Gilbert This is a workbook to encourage conversations about loss between children and adults and is aimed at helping bereaved children between the ages of 8 and 15 primarily. He served on submarines in World War II, becoming a chief pharmacist mate; and at the time, was the youngest Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. In 1997, and again in 2004, she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, an extremely rare disease in which the bone marrow quits producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. who possesses a soul of infinite compassion and caregiving, My Mother Kept A Garden. <> So I want to tell you what I remember. You dont understand this today, but Grandma Juanita will always be with you. As his family, we watched Dad decline with dementia for 25 years. Sure, several people offered to help here and there, helping my parents move houses, or more recently, going with me to visit my mother. Despite your own health, you found the energy to help grandma with her laundry and as always, the two of you continued to keep each other on your toes in conversation. I've been a professional journalist for more than a decade; my mother's eulogy was the hardest thing I've ever had to write.My mom passed away two months ago. We had so many happy years together and I am grateful for every moment we shared. You held that special talent of conversing easily with strangers, of making newcomers feel like oldtimers, and of holding space for anyone and everyone that needed it. He wrote some beautiful melodies that will live on long after him. Ill always remember [her/him] as a [loving/caring/kind/gentle/wise/intelligent/hilarious] soul who would try [her/his] best each and every day to put a smile on the faces of others. RyLee and Lora, Thank you all for joining me and for allowing [Name] to have a space in your heart and in your life. It was about the kind of person you were and the difference you made in the lives of others. At times I know for sure that Mom heard and reacted to what we were saying. In the words of [author name], [Quote]. He was not only a brilliant man; he was a man who dedicated his life to helping others. This beautiful eulogy is a wonderful example of how to interweave testament to someone's personality and character with the core occassions of their life. We are hoping to move him into a nursing home closer to my grandmother early next week. It just isnt fair what happened to Shannon. I joined her a few times at the farm helping with the horses. If there was a party, you'd often find him on the balcony, in the backyard, or in a corner somewhere, people watching and smiling kindly at anyone who wandered near him. This is followed closely by the time we [description]. In closing today, I would like to ask you to say The Lords Prayer with me. To learn more about Barbara's life, visit her memorial website. Thank you. Daddy did just that. She was a devoted mother, a compassionate humanitarian, and an inspiration to all who knew her. He worked for the Navy using his math skills. Our family is not the same with their loss, but we will press on and live our best lives as a way of honoring [his/her] memory. Find ways to help those who cannot help themselves. [She/He] was an amazing person, and I know that [she/he] will be deeply missed. We met when we were [age] and instantly connected. Nights like this weren't uncommon with Mom -- she constantly made sure we had the most fun possible whenever we could. Those who knew her, knew how much she loved her family, and she was always so proud of us. Grandma, I love you endlessly and have no idea how I'm to navigate this scary world without you by my side. Her church group referred to her as "The Old Commander" because she was so stringent in getting them to submit their projects on time. Music, painting, and dancing also played significant roles in my sisters healing. Losing my dad has taught me two things: [list lessons]. Telephone - 0800 888 6678. Dad saved my life, too. The transplants may have saved her life before, I just wish I couldve saved it again. As a horse crazy 8-year-old I wanted my own pony. For many of you, perhaps family most of all, that knew grandma before our car accident in 2004, there may be memories of a woman with strong beliefs. It means so much to me and to my family that you decided to be here with us today to remember my father's life. Much love, Ma. How can I describe [Name] in a way that's accurate? That was a sacrifice she made, family was very important to her and I know we both appreciate the fact that our parents made that choice. She told me not too long ago that she knew she was never going to be the same again, and she hated her illness and what it had done to her. If I was working in the garden, he'd want to help. When you're caring for someone else, it can be easy to overlook your own needs. I know I will be fine. Dad had six children, and they voted me to do the eulogy. *No one knows why, but Roys health noticeably declined in 1995. People think Shannon was lucky to have me, but I was lucky to have her. My mother and father loved their grand-dog Spencer. As his Alzheimers disease progressed, he continued to be happy. By mentioning it and telling some stories from the journey you'll be showing your love for your aunt in the good times and the bad and also making others realise that it's ok to talk about it. [She/He] will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing [him/her]. Thank you. ', Defense of 2nd Spanish Republic - 1936, Jimmy Reid: 'A rat race is for rats. 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