Day 169: Celebrating Marie...10 Years Later

 Today was all about remembering a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, auntie, wife, niece, cousin, in-law, room mate, god-parent and friend. Celebrating Marie, 10 years after she left this world too early, was truly a night filled with all the joy and happiness that have become synnomous with "Marie". Several months ago, Nana and Buppa planned for a Mass at St. Judes to be dedicated to Marie's memory, and  then invited the immediate and extended family to attend the Mass, followed by a casual supper/dessert at their family home on Bruce Road.  It was all so lovely......

except that we missed Bianca, Olivia (thanks for the gorgeous flowers pictured here!) and Connor, who were away at school, as well as Britt who is working in Virginia.  A few other special people in our lives were unable to attend, but overall, it was a remarkable show of love and support.  We were so happy to have most of the Keefe's join us, as well as so many other dear friends who knew Marie through the Rincks or Bettanos.  A very special bonus was her dearest friend from childhood and her  room mates from Providence College also traveled to attend the event and were able to see Marie's beautiful daughter Meaghan grown into a lovely young lady. In fact, Nana and Buppa made a darling keepsake photo magnet of a picture of Marie and Meaghan.
Of course, we missed many of Nana's Waltham neighbors who were a part of Marie's life but are also no longer with us.....but funny enough, Nana did see the grandchild of one of those missing friends who dropped by to solicit donations to the Lymphoma Society (for which Nana was happy to contribute), which gave a peripheral presence to a dearly missed  neighbor, Dottie.

The outpouring of love and remembrance during this simple tribute was incredible.  And I really can't think of anything more significant to enter into this "Marie-inspired Service Blog" than to collectively honor an amazing and courageous woman whose memory continues to remind us all to try and give of ourselves to find, and celebrate, the best in each other.   The heartfelt and cheerful emotional and spiritual support offered in tonight's gathering is truly the stuff fairytales are made of.