A Somber Anniversary

“April’s parents were married on 9/11, about 30 years ago.  And given her mother’s battle with cancer, today I have mourned for them.  Because this 9/11 may very well be the last that they have.  On this day when we should be celebrating them, we are mourning. Yet another link to a tragic day, which we will never forget.”

I wrote the words above last year on the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th.   Sadly, the feelings expressed in those words turned out to be true.  April’s mom lost her batter with cancer on May 15th.

As I looked at the many tributes to those lost on 9/11 today, the only thing I could think about was the fact this is the first anniversary since Wendy died.  The first that Ray has spent without his wife.  The first that they haven’t been together for the family to celebrate with them.  My heart hurts thinking about it.

We weren’t able to have a service for Wendy when she passed due to arrangements falling apart and because our family is spread across the country and couldn’t make it then.  It was decided, though, that some sort of service was needed for the sake of helping to bring closure to us all.

So, on Saturday, there will be a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. at Good Shephard United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne.  Anyone wishing to send flowers, etc… may do so.  Just let me know before hand.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one today.  May they never be forgotten.