Grieving is a process, individual and unique to all.  It begins early in life.  Some say the first grief is when we exit the womb into this world of gravity and constant stimuli. Throughout childhood we begin to learn the key elements of grieving… loss and the need to let go.  This may begin with a pet goldfish or a beloved teddy bear that has been reduced, through love, to tatters. Eventually it extends to our human loved ones.  For some that comes very early in life.  I recall a friend in my childhood town of Norton, Massachusetts whose father died unexpectedly. I was about ten and I pondered what all of that meant to my friend Jackie.

I could only imagine but eventually my time came, as it comes to all of us.  No matter when we lose our parents it is just plain hard. So my heart aches for my cousins Milo, John, and Phil who have lost their beloved mother, Bunny.

Now begins the painful process of letting go and yesterday we held a memorial service for her at Point of Rocks.  It was very moving, warm and relaxed as she would want it to be.  Each person took the time to remember Bunny and contribute a flower to Bunny’s bouquet.  By the time we were finished the sun had set, the bouquet was complete, and there was much love in the spring night air.  It would have been Bunny’s 96th birthday.

Bunny’s remains will be interred in the family plot in Norton, Massachusetts on April 17.

Additional photos from the March 26th event are below.❧