What a wonderful day the 4th was! It was a day filled with love, laughter, a few tears, a new tradition and memories that will live on forever!
Our friend had a good day. The crowd was small, 40-50 people. Only the family and long time, close friends were there, so he was comfortable in going in to rest as he needed. Everyone pitched in to bring food and drink, decorate and clean. My husband took a bunch of Chinese Lantern's and colored markers to the party. Though out the day, we would sneak people around to decorate a lantern with their prayers, thoughts and notes of love. When it got dark, we called our friends inside and gave them the words of love from the others, and one for each of them to write their prayers/thoughts on. It was a very emotional and there were lots of tears but they were tears that needed to be shed and all filled with love. Then we took the lanterns outside and set them off. It was incredibly beautiful and had so much meaning to everyone there. His grandson looked at me and said "Wow, they are going all the way to Heaven, just like grandpa will!" I lost it then because it was said with love and delight. Another friends teenage daughter had arrived just before we set them off. She came over and told me that it was a special moment, one she would always remember, to hold the latern as it lit and filled with air, holding hands and saying a prayer with her mom as they released it.
I want to thank each of you for the words and encouragement you gave me.
