On November 1st, All Saints Day, we held a memorial for Lucas Emeth.

It was a beautiful, moving, healing time. We were so blessed to be surrounded by the love of our friends and family. I know many of you prayed for us that day, and some of you wished to be there in person. Thank you.

Here are some photos of that time (taken by our dear friend Samantha).

I prepared an Altar, of sorts, containing special items that reminded us of Lucas, and photos taken during the time he was with us.

We opened in Prayer (Dan Graves lead our service),

Amanda read from scripture (Lamentations 3:17-18, 21-24)

Karissa was cantor for the responsorial psalm: The Lord hears the cry of the poor

After some intercessions, Andy, the girls and I packed up the items on the Altar, placed the jar in a couple bags and then wrapped it up with the Altar cloth.

Andy and I buried the Memorial Box and then planted a rose above it (thank you Nikki, who also brought all the Marigolds).

After some time in silence around the Memorial, we re-joined everyone inside for our closing song: You are Mine

And then we served lunch, and were surrounded by love and laughter. Just as we desired.

…

A couple notes:

See? See all those people? See all the love? It was there, and it was felt. What a beautiful celebration for even the smallest among them!

The music was, by far, the most moving part of the ceremony for me. I had even considered cantoring the Psalm myself, but I’m so glad I didn’t. As everyone joined in the first response, I was overwhelmed by a sense of one-ness and togetherness. There’s something about a group of people singing together heart-felt prayer that gave (and still gives) me goosebumps.

Those songs, often sung in Mass, will forever remind me of Lucas. And for that I am grateful.

I very much liked the physical-ness of burying something. I know we didn’t bury him, but it is a beautiful thing to see a physical space that reminds me of him out my kitchen window. That, coupled with the life-giving symbolism of planting something in the same space…it’s just very meaningful to me.

Plus the kids love to play in that space.

“I love it when you’re over there kiddos. It feels like Lucas is playing with you.”-Me
“He is Mama! He’s climbing the tree with me!”- Mo

We asked people to bring toys, to help celebrate Lucas’ Life, to celebrate the Joy he brought into the world. And we were overwhelmed by the response. Friends and family, near and far, mailed toys, donated toys, and brought toys. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We are still searching for just the right place to donate them, but we know they will bring joy.

It was supposed to rain cats and dogs that day. And the day before it poured. Like set records in Portland kind of pouring.

My favorite.

(not)

But instead, the sun shined. It shined and shined and shined. And I very much consider that a gift from my Son.

He knows me so well.

…

Emeth. That’s his middle name. It’s the Hebrew word for truth, but its meaning is closer to fidelitas than veritas. It speaks to the faithfulness of God, which is a truth that will set you free. It is a heart truth; not a head truth.

That seems to be a theme with our Lucas.

St. Lucas, pray for us. Especially for us.