Invitation to Remember ,,, and Happy to Help

Today was 'Ribbons of Remembrance', the annual memorial service organized by the staff of Children's Hospital - Minneapolis/St. Paul.  I attended the first time in 2013, just four months after Kitty died.  It was important to Mandy that our entire family be there.

What a beautifully planned and orchestrated event. 

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Readings, a story for children, music performed by the staff choir, a harpist playing while photos of the children being honored ran across a large screen, candles lit in memory and then - an outdoor butterfly release.  I was honored to be included in this expression of love, mourning and remembrance.

The following two years, this grandma and grandpa weren't invited.  I assumed Mandy and son-in-law needed a more private remembrance the second time around and then by the following year, I honestly didn't think much about it. 

Several weeks ago, a verbal invitation came from Mandy for this year's service.  Mandy now serves on the bereavement committee at Children's as a parent volunteer and she was doing one of the readings during the program today ... aha ... she needed me there to help manage Basher, Dasher and Belle.  It was another one of those 'helping your child' moments disguised as the invitation. 

But that was OK because I WANTED to go!  Nothing would keep me from experiencing such a comforting, loving and understanding room full of people.

I listened and watched with a much different perspective today than I did three years ago.

Today, I paid attention, looked to see how many other grandparents were present.  I didn't see very many and wondered whether their sons and daughters invited them.  Did they know about this special event or did they chose not to attend?  Either way, the absent grandmothers and grandfathers missed a truly meaningful, beautiful service. 

I hope every one of us who has lost a precious grandchild has the opportunity to feel the caring support that a memorial service can provide.  If your child extends the invitation, I recommend taking them up on it ... especially if it's because they need your help.

What could be better on a beautiful Saturday morning than spending time with my daughter and all four of her children!