Instead of a traditional guest book at the memorial service I decided to do a "memory book" with photos for our guests to sign around. There are empty pages at the front for me to add things like his birth certificate and footprints, etc.; it's his "baby book." I have a most fabulous artist friend who flew across the country (or countries rather; she's from Canada, yea for Magdolene!) and she helped me design the cover. She and Joel's sister, Emily, stayed up with me into the late night putting the pages together. It was such a good way for me to start this new season of grief/joy, and it was so wonderful to get to spend so much time with two dear friends.
At the service we asked for our guests to write positive, encouraging note in Oliver's book. I will also be printing out many of the enouraging emails, facebook posts, and comments we've recieved and will paste them in the pages along side the hand-written notes. I will be including many of the cards that have been sent to us also.
We know that Oliver's life and our journey have reached to many people (including many strangers to us!), so if anyone who would like to "sign" Oliver's memory book with a particular note please send us a message by signing his online obituary, by leaving a comment on this post, or by emailing us directly. I cannot describe how encouraged and blessed we are to read your supportive notes and comments about how our son has touched your life. Thank you.
Elsa started making her own memory book for Oliver. Hers has a lot of blank pages at the back for her to keep adding pictures, drawings, thoughts, or whatever she wants as she gets older. We hope it will help her continue to process as she matures, and it will also help us to know when she is thinking about Oliver again when she reaches for her book. We also have a book started for Nora.
Here is Elsa showing her book to Grandpa Darrell Dunham:
Thanks for sharing sweet Oliver's service with us, Sonya. I listened to it yesterday through tears and was thankful that our Father is holding you, Joel, and your girls close during this time of fresh aching. Your words, stripped and honest, overwhelmingly reflect God's unfathomable grace and strength. I admire you both for your willingness to submit to His perfect will, as wrenching as it seems. We pray for you all daily and will continue.
ReplyDeleteAlso, are you still at the Hawaiian Ave. address? I have something to mail but don't know if I've got the current address.
p.s. It's good to see Magdolene's and Emily's lovely faces on here. :) Glad you had some solid love from them both.