"Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself."
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Thursday, July 15, 2010

In loving memory of Charlie...

We had the memorial butterfly release for Charlie a couple of weeks ago. Most of you know that Charlie was my daughter's boyfriend, who was killed in a car accident at the end of May. His family was all in Boston so that's where his funeral service was held ...Shilah attended but the grands stayed home w/ me so we needed to have a service here so that they could say their good byes to Charlie.

Shi had a wonderful idea to do a butterfly release ...we each released a butterfly & said our goodbyes as we let them go.


She chose a wonderful setting for it...look at this view!

These pavilions were built on Lake Worth during World War II by the Japanese POW's in teh area.

The kids were so excited about the butterflies. It turned what would have been a very sad, emotional event into a memory they will always cherish. I think the symbolism escaped them but it wasn't lost on me...Charlie's soul is now free!




I couldn't hear much of the children's goodbyes but I did hear Connor say, "I love you Charlie & I'm gonna miss you. Oh yeah! And I hope the Cowboys win teh Superbowl this year". Charlie was a huge Cowboys fan...it's why he moved to Texas.










I wasn't able to get many shots of the butterflies but did luck into a few.


My poor mom..one of the butterflys landed on her cheek & it kinda freaked her out. She went to brush it away & I screeched @ her..."NOOOOO! LEAVE it alone...I wanna get a picture." Sorry to screech Mom but you gotta admit that it was a good photo op! ;o) Thanks for being a good sport!








While we were there, I had the kids pose for a couple of pictures. Not the best shot of all five but you try to get 5 kids all looking at teh camera at the same time! I don't know what I did to deserve these little joys but I thank my lucky stars for them every day. Aren't grands the greatest?



My little model. He instinctively poses & changes positions....he's a natural!

The most beautiful princess in the land!

My mom & Baby Noah.


Honey's Little Brown Eyes!

Wish that I had centered this picture of Stacie & Noah better...it is too sweet!


Charlie was a wonderful man....full of laughs, fun (& smart alec remarks!) & he knew how to enjoy life. But he was also responsible, kind & could be relied upon...he was just an all-around good guy! My family continues to suffer from the loss.... please keep them in your prayers. Shi & the kids are undergoing grief counseling & hopefully it'll help them work through it.
As were were leaving the pavilion, a butterfly flew up to Shilah & landed on her nose. It was as if Charlie kissed her goodbye. The butterfly release ceremony was beautiful, touching & very moving...what a unique way to commemorate a wonderful man.

Isn't this a fabulous picture of him? Shilah took it, overlooking Lake Austin, on a trip last Spring.


"A symbol of hope a butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world but then it flies again and though we wish it could have stayed...we feel lucky to have seen it."

Charlie, our family was very blessed that your glory was a part of our world...if only for a brief time. We will miss you! GOOOOOO Cowboys!

15 comments:

Nana's Fun Stuff said...

Oh this touched my heart when reading this post. What a wonderful way to honor Charlie. Beautiful pictures of releasing the butterflies. My prayers are with all of you during this time and a big hug to all of you.

Jenny said...

This was a beautiful post. Sharing tears and joy with you as I read this. Sending hugs and friendship to help ease the pain a little bit.

Absolutely lovely and poignant.

Your family is beautiful.

FILIGREE MOON said...

Cami, your family is truly so beautiful. Your post is touching, to say the least. So very difficult, yet so hopeful. The photos are wonderful, and I am amazed at the landing on your daughter...so symbolic of the love she shared with Charlie. ~ Angela

Dorthe said...

Dear Cami,
what a touching goodby, surely this will be an event remembered and shared by the little family.
I dearly feels with your daughter.
Your beautifull photoes will also be a reminder of this sad,-but beautifull day.
Hugs,Dorthe

Terri Steffes said...

Your tribute was lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Tardevil said...

So very sorry for your family's loss, Cami. But you're right, what a lovely way to celebrate his memory.

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Shelby said...

What a beautiful ceremony. My heart aches for your families loss Vinty. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Jan Thomason said...

Cami, your family is simply gorgeous. i need to come visit so i can get to know them.
your daughter is beautiful, just like her mom, too.
and i can tell from your writing that God blessed you all with Charlie's presence in your lives for the time you were given to be blessed by him and to be a blessing TO him.

i'm so sorry for your loss; especially your daughter and the kids. i had no idea when we spent the little amount of time together at the retreat. i will start praying for your family today.

i miss you!!
i really, really miss you!!
let's get together, okay? you could come to the ranch and we could play in the studio and go junking.

think about it and let me know this afternoon.
kidding.
you can think longer.
tomorrow would be good...

i love you, jan

Anonymous said...
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Unknown said...

Beautiful post Cami... I am sending love and light to you and your family...

HUGS
Rainey

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, sweet girl! This makes me cry it's so bittersweet, but what a wonderful way to commemorate Charlie's life. I am so sorry for all of you in your loss. My heart aches for your daughter and those little ones who miss him SO much. I hope and pray that the grief counseling will help them heal. You are all so precious.

Love to each and every one of you, Cami...

XO,

Sheila

Parsley said...

Stopping by for the first time. I recently joined the Bloggerette Sorority and wanted to meet some of the 'sisters'.

My blog door is always open for new friends. Drop by, help yourself to some tea and cookies and meet my 6 dogs.

God bless.

Charlene said...

Oh Cami I have tears!!!!!! What a beautiful post. I LOVED every minute of reading it. Charlie was indeed a handsom guy. Seems so unfair when a good life is cut short. Would drive you crazy if you had to figure out why! God Bless Him & Keep Him! And blessing for you & your family too. Time does help heal but, it doesn't take it away. The loss SUCKS! Hugs Charlene

Sandra at 7th St. Studio said...

This was a beautiful post, and what a great idea to release butterflies! I especially love the smiles on everyones faces as they are releasing them, you can tell they all have fond memories...a life well lived is celebrated and in such a beautiful way! Your post and pictures are so touching. My prayers are with you and your family, I know they must miss him, but by your post, we can know that he was well loved and touched your lives!