Many Thanks for your Kind Words & Deeds
My Mother, New Orleans 2011
Last Friday, we celebrated the funeral mass for my mother Edna Klarman Dolan in my hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. I can say with full confidence that she would have loved to have been there. The day was filled with family, old friends, memories and warmth, good food and lovely flowers and a touch of sadness mixed with the laughter. All the hallmarks of a Dolan family event.
I was humbled by the arrival of so many of my cousins from all over the country. High schools pals, college friends and cherished work colleagues took ferries, trains, taxis and planes to be there in support. Liz delivered a wonderful eulogy and the priest gave a comforting homily. My sister-in-law in Connecticut was a rock and all the other “in-laws’ stepped up, too. The few members left of my mother’s generation lent comfort and wisdom; my mother’s great grandchildren, Alice and Ben, added just the right amount of levity and perspective.
And, of course, there was a Honeybaked Ham.
A very public thank you to you all for your support, kind words and thoughtful deeds. I took the help when offered and I welcomed the thoughts and prayers when given. It’s advice I would pass onto to anyone in a similar situation. Now is not the time to be an independent. Interdependence is the way to go in certain situations. I’d like to say thank you, thank you, thank you for : the many meal deliveries, the sympathy cards, the beautiful flowers and rose bushes, the heartfelt Facebook and blog messages. Gratitude to the neighbors who minded the house while we were gone, and to the boys who delivered my Christmas tree on Saturday and my friend who delivered pancakes and blueberry syrup on Sunday.
This week, it’s time to get back to normal. I look forward to it. But I’ll never forget all your kindnesses.
Embracing my chaos, Lian
Related posts:
The Triumph of the Mashed Potato Bar
Edna Dolan’s Blueberry Muffins
