A lovely service

Savanna's memorial service was lovely and in some ways unique. Brendon started it off singing two songs: "I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire" and "I Am Willing," by Holly Near. Not your usual memorial service repertoire! The choir sang "Garai Pano" which we learned back in 2007 (I think) at the Turtle Dove singing camp in Ireland. Ellen spoke movingly about Savanna's courage in the face of pain and suffering. Several other friends spoke also. Pastor Vickie gave a a eulogy. I read a little-known passage from "The Wisdom of Solomon," - 1:12-15. I related it to Savanna's attitude toward death, and read it twice, in two different translations - NRSV and NIV. That went over well! The reception was a smashing success - an amplitude of food! Krystal made a wonderful slide show of photos from Savanna's life that played on a TV screen dUring the reception, and Tye created a crossword puzzle about Savanna's life that people worked on - including John and Cynthia! (Savanna was a big crossword puzzle fan). After the reception, family went back to Shutesbury and we had a lovely supper prepared by Ellen and Julie. I think Savanna would have loved it all!

Top: After the service. Middle: Pastor Vickie. Bottom: John and Cynthia working on the crossword puzzle, with Jim Tolles.