I was not able to attend the Celebration of Cheri's Life due to the fact that I was in Europe at the time. Last year my granddaughter had the opportunity to spend a month during the summer traveling through various European countries with her history teacher and class. Jackie (my daughter) and I joined the group as helpers. We had a wonderful time. I was so glad that I had the opportunity to have this great experience with two people I love so much.
The morning of Cheri's Life Celebration, we found ourselves in Paris. I woke early and went to a church that had been built in the 1400's. It was a very simple church, but the stain glass windows were more recent. They had a cubist flare to them, so I think they were done in the 1940' - 50's. As I sat there thinking about Cheri and her family it dawned on me that they were all still sound asleep...they were still in the previous day by a few minutes! It was a strange feeling to know that I was up, the sun was up, my day was on the way and they had not even crossed midnight yet and gone into the day of Cheri's Celebration.
Anyway, as I sat there I turned to look at the stain glass window next to me and was overwhelmed with the importance of the image. I have posted it below. The window was of an angel who had broken the chains that tied her to earth...just as Cheri has. Tears filled my eyes, but a smile entered my heart. The image was a reaffirmation that Cheri had escaped the prison of her body and was free.
When I returned from Europe I found a CD in my mail from Connie with images of the Celebration. I know it is hard to remember to photograph when sadness fills the heart and tears fill the eyes, but Connie did a great job. I thank her for doing it, otherwise I would have never experienced the good bye to Cheri.
The event was held on the porch of Cheri and Tom's new home.
A few words were said and those who wanted to say anything special stood up and spoke. Again, I thank Connie for reading the words I sent to her to share with everyone about Cheri.Cheri's family had also put together the story of her life on a CD of images with music. I also received that CD in the mail when I returned from Europe and tears flowed very hard and long while watching it.
Then a white dove was taken out of a box.
The dove was a symbol of Cheri's new life. Everyone touched the dove and said good-bye to Cheri.
Tom then released the dove.
As it flew to freedom everyone was in tears.From Connie's photographs I felt that the ceremony was filled with thoughtful love for Cheri and what her life meant to her family and friends. Her family did a wonderful job and I thank them for honoring Cheri with such love.
One of the things about funerals and weddings is that it is often the only time "long lost" relatives see each other! Connie took several group photographs of the California Cuzn's...many of whom I hadn't seen since Uncle Paul's funeral several years ago. MMMMmmmmm...we really need to get together more often!
L-R: Glen, Charlene, Connie, John, Jan, Philip, Gary
L-R with spouse: Glen, Charlene, Dave & Connie, John, JanPhil & Kathy, Gary & Arlene
Jim & Linda(Jimmy isn't a Vogel cousin, he is actually a cousin of Connie's - from her mom's side - but Jimmy, Connie and I were the Three Muskateers when we were young and to me he qualifies as a "Vogel" cousin just as much as any "Vogel" cousin out there!)
Maria, Jan, ConchaMaria and Concha are sisters. Concha is the ANGEL in our life. She spent several years taking care of Uncle Paul and then after Cheri's stroke she moved in with Tom and took care of Cheri. Her gentle loving care of Cheri was a blessing that has no words...she is truly a gift from heaven.
Kevin (son of Lori), Lori, & LisaJan has four children - two boys & two girls - the two girls were able to make it up to the funeral.
