On Friday November 9, Tim & I drove up to Cape Cod for the day, to attend a memorial service for my Aunt Betty in Harwich. The last time we were on the Cape was in the spring of 2009, far too long to be away, but so much has been going on in our lives the past few years.
It was so wonderful to see and hug my uncle (my mother’s brother) again, and two of my cousins. Two of my mother’s cousins were also there with their wives. We had some great conversations with them all about fond memories and genealogical discoveries. And my grandparents’ elderly neighbors from across the street were there, too.
As I mentioned before, my Aunt Betty was a woman of very strong faith, and a lovely, gracious, generous lady. I think she would have been pleased with the simple memorial her son arranged for her. On a table in front of the altar there was a picture of her, a single rose in a vase, a pencil, and her Bible, complete with her notes in the margins and many underlined scriptures. My uncle recalled how much she loved roses and how he made sure she received one for every birthday and every wedding anniversary. And he felt the pencil was a fitting token of her love of writing.
After the reception Tim & I went to the cemetery at the First Congregational Church in Harwich, where a number of my ancestors, my grandparents and my mother lie buried. I left them each a white rose from the bouquet we were given to take home after the service. Of course there were tears, there had been tears off and on all day, but also a deep feeling of peace and connection.
We couldn’t leave the Cape without visiting the sea, and so decided to go to the West Dennis Beach, and there felt anew the truth of Isak Dinesen’s words, “The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.” The first picture is looking southwest over Nantucket Sound, the second is a bit of the wrack line, and the third is seagull footprints in the sand.
A touching and befitting farewell for your Aunt. Wonderful photos. Love the quote. One of my favorites… Hugs 🙂
Thank you, Stephanie. Walking along the beach was comforting, so many of us deeply appreciate the balm of salt water. *hugs*
A beautiful tribute.
The quote you shared is one of my favorites.
Thank you, Laurie. Isak Dinesen’s words are soothing, resorative and oh so true.
She sounds like a lovely woman Barbara. And the gathering, a wonderful celebration of her life. Your photos feel like a reflection of this…poignant, peaceful.
Thank you, Colleen. My aunt was well loved – it was refreshing to hear the unscripted and heartfelt little stories and memories different ones wanted to share. We were able to laugh together, even through tears…
*Hugs* This is a beautiful tribute. Your words and images brought tears to my eyes, but there was a sense of peaceful celebration here too.
Thank you for your kind words and warm hugs, Robin. I came away with an even greater sense of connection to my family – through good times and times of loss, the love is always there.
Just came by to give you a virtual hug.
Thank you for the hug, Val – it feels very comforting to receive virtual hugs…
Stopped in to read and oh how beautiful.Isn’t it wonderful to see family when sad.God’s Blessings
Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by, LexiesNana. In spite of the distance and time between us, those connections are very comforting…
What a lovely tribute to your aunt.
I really like the saying that the cure for anything is salt water. . sweat, tears, or the sea. I always get a really special feeling when I’m at the sea and this describes it so well.
Thank you, Sheryl. It is a special feeling we get by the sea with all its mystery and wonder. And something about the ocean covering so much of the earth makes me feel connected to all our fellow humans.
She was my Grandmother Betty, but the pictures and the writing are beautiful. Just like her. She will be missed. Xo.
Thank you, Savannah, for sharing your thoughts here about your lovely grandmother. She was a very special person. Most of my memories of her are from when I was a child and I know she must have been as amazing a grandmother as she was an aunt! I’m very sorry for your loss…
Betty was my cousin, and this tribute to her reminded me of a poem that my wife and I sent to Dave. It is fitting with the theme:
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land,
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains…
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
That was Betty.
Thank you, Ed, for sharing this poem with me – it fits your cousin’s memory perfectly. There is something about the sea that sings to so many of us, offering comfort and healing, and gentle reminders about the rhythms of life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
A beautiful reflection on your special aunt, her life, and how her death was treated with such respect and delicacy for who she was. My condolences go out to you and your family. Love and hugs, Diane
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words, Diane…
My condolences to you and your family Barbara. This is such a respectful beautiful memorial to your Aunt. I was very touched by the description of the few items that were on the table in front of the alter:
“a picture of her, a single rose in a vase, a pencil, and her Bible, complete with her notes in the margins and many underlined scriptures.”
I love the Isak Dinesen quote – haven’t heard it before. It’s so true.
(((hugs)))
rosie
Thank you for your sympathy and caring words, Rosie. I found the collection of memories on the table very moving, too. I’m happy you loved the quote – Isak Dinesen is one of my favorite writers…