We woke up extra early that morning. We'd finalized the music for your memorial the night before and needed to drop off the CD in plenty of time to have it checked so that we knew it would play properly during your memorial. We only had one last project for the day before we turned to preparing ourselves.
We'd been told by many that often it help to release balloons or conclude the graveside with a special tribute to our precious Jackson Michael. Mommy spent a good bit of time thinking of the perfect way to conclude our service but finally came up with the perfect tribute. We'd looked for days for some sort of birdbath or outside holder but had no luck. The closest I found was a small red chair that was to be used as a planter. As my last resort your daddy and I ran to Lowe's and picked it up the morning of your memorial. Little did I know it was absolutely perfect! After a quick run to the store to complete your final memorial plans we headed home.
The next few hours we spent quietly at home as a family. Mimi and I finalized your memorial tribute and then we dressed and headed to your memorial.
The drive into town had never seemed more slow. Your daddy was so scared that we'd be 'late' to your memorial. With more than enough time to spare we arrived to the funeral home. Your daddy and I went directly to make sure that you where just as you should be. With some minor rearrangements, you were once again perfect. As we turned around we realized the amount of people who came to help us celebrate your little life. We were again blown away!
I won't lie and say that it wasn't miserable but we knew that you are alive and well in Heaven. Your service started with a song especially for your Daddy and Sissy. We knew you'd have been like your Mommy and Daddy and would have loved some rock music. It might have been unconventional but helped your Daddy.
Our Pastor opened with precious words and read your lengthy obituary. For a little fella you sure have a whole host of people who've come before and are still living that love you to pieces!
The next song your Sissy prepared for you the night that we learned we would have to say goodbye. She sang HomeSick by MercyME. She was so strong! I've never seen her that strong before in my life. She was truly Amazing! Your Sissy isn't known for her composure but I can't say it enough to tell you how wonderful she did. She changed some of the words to make them special to you. She made it through the whole song and only got the smallest bit choked up when saying your name. It was beautiful and meant the world to your Mommy that your Sissy sang for you. Your Sissy made Mommy promise not to cry while she sang and through grace we were both able to make it though her song.
Our Pastor then spoke beautiful words! You'll have to forgive Mommy for not being able to quote him but he took our favorite verses and delivered a wonderful sermon. Mommy had forgotten to tell him the verse that brought her through many many tough times but the Lord knew she needed to hear it again and led the verse to be included in your special memorial!
The next few songs were special for so many reasons. It breaks my heart that I was never given the chance to sing or teach you any songs about Jesus. I dreamed about teaching you, signing with you, and reading bible to stories to you. We played a beautiful rendition of Jesus Loves Me. It was for Mommy the hardest to keep what little composure she had left together. There are many things that Mommy misses but not being able to teach you about Jesus has been one of the hardest for Mommy. I know there are Angels teaching you all about Jesus and they are signing with you and rejoicing with you in heaven. I can only imagine how your innocent voice sounds singing this precious song!
The next song Mommy found searching the Internet. It was funny Mommy, Daddy, and Sissy were all searching on different computers and found this song at the same time. It was absolutely perfect. We played Visitor From Heaven by Twila Paris. It was beautiful. It had comforted Mommy so much over the last few days. The lyrics speak for themselves but are exactly how we feel.
Twila Paris - Visitor From Heaven
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a while
A gift of love to be returned
We think of you and smile
A visitor from Heaven
Accompanied by grace
Reminding of a better love
And of a better place
With aching hearts and empty arms
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we're so glad you came
We're so glad you came
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a day
We thank Him for the time He gave
And now it's time to say
We trust you to the Father's love
And to His tender care
Held in the everlasting arms
And we're so glad you're there
We're so glad you're there
With breaking hearts and open hands
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we're so glad you came
We're so glad you came
If only for a while
A gift of love to be returned
We think of you and smile
A visitor from Heaven
Accompanied by grace
Reminding of a better love
And of a better place
With aching hearts and empty arms
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we're so glad you came
We're so glad you came
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a day
We thank Him for the time He gave
And now it's time to say
We trust you to the Father's love
And to His tender care
Held in the everlasting arms
And we're so glad you're there
We're so glad you're there
With breaking hearts and open hands
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we're so glad you came
We're so glad you came
Your memorial concluded with Brahm's Lullaby. When speaking with the funeral director I balled as this song played. Mommy was sure she would lose it when it played at your memorial! It however was sweet and peaceful. It still breaks my heart that I will never get to rock and sing you to sleep but again I know your are being more than taken care of by God's Angels.
We were allowed to spend just a few more minutes with you once everyone exited the service. It was so hard to walk to away but your beloved pastor came over and said just the words we needed.
Your graveside memorial was short but sweet. By the time we made to your memorial garden it had began to get chilly! The workers at the graveside were so gracious! They had the most warm blankets for our family! With those we completely forgot about the cold. Your service was short but sweet. They played a song and then the paster said a few words. Your Mimi was so gracious enough to read a poem to conclude your memorial. She thought she did a rough job but again we were so proud of her!
We concluded your service by feeding the deer that feed around the oak tree that blankets your resting place. One of your big brother's favorite things to do when he visits Mommy and Daddy is feeding the deer. Mimi and Papa make him his own bucket and he walks around back of the land with Papa and throws food out to the deer. He then very inpatiently waits at the livingroom windown untill they come up to the house and eat every bite. We thought that it would only be fitting to have a final memorial that would give back to the earth and leave us with the hope that one day a mother with her fawn will feed upon the acorns around your resting place! That morning mommy made little blue bags filled with deer chow for all our family and friends. They had the most precious blue and orange bows that closed the bags. I wish so badly to have had taken a picture of the chair filled with the litte bags! It was the sweest most precious chair! We were elaited that our family and friends helped feed the wildlife in your honor!
Chelles
We concluded your service by feeding the deer that feed around the oak tree that blankets your resting place. One of your big brother's favorite things to do when he visits Mommy and Daddy is feeding the deer. Mimi and Papa make him his own bucket and he walks around back of the land with Papa and throws food out to the deer. He then very inpatiently waits at the livingroom windown untill they come up to the house and eat every bite. We thought that it would only be fitting to have a final memorial that would give back to the earth and leave us with the hope that one day a mother with her fawn will feed upon the acorns around your resting place! That morning mommy made little blue bags filled with deer chow for all our family and friends. They had the most precious blue and orange bows that closed the bags. I wish so badly to have had taken a picture of the chair filled with the litte bags! It was the sweest most precious chair! We were elaited that our family and friends helped feed the wildlife in your honor!
Chelles
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