We meet with Brian again at the funeral home who greets us with a handshake and his condolences. He has most of the information he needs already thanks to Doug who spent time earlier this week working on funeral planning. I tell Doug it is the best "Mother's Day" present he could give me.
We finalize the details at the funeral home and head to meet with Pastor Chris. Doug has also been working with Pastor Chris on the memorial service. Chris knows our style, so everything comes together really well. He and his wife Tatum have modeled everything you would hope for in this type of situation - compassion, care, knowing when to be quiet and when to speak, love, friendship, and an outpouring of support.
Wiped out is the best way to describe how we are feeling now. Who knew it was so busy when someone dies?
So now, the details of the service:
Funeral - Monday, May 14 at 2pm
The burial location is directly behind the funeral home. There will not be a visitation.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in honor of Jenson, please make it to the Histiocytosis Association at www.histio.org. This organization is committed to funding research to find a cure for this awful disease that is eating away at other people all over the world.
We ask each person to also bring a monkey stuffed animal with you to the service. We will be collecting them to send out future "Monkey Grins" to other histio families.
Here is some additional information on how "Monkey Grins" came to be:
Histio can bring tough times…but monkeys and lollies can bring smiles!
Jenson is a fellow Histio Warrior. Diagnosed with LCH as a baby, he endured 2 ½ yrs of chemo prior to receiving a bone marrow transplant from sister Sydney. While in the hospital recovering from the transplant, Jenson saw a picture of another little boy with histio and said, “I need send him a monkey!”. Big sister Sydney wanted to help histio families too so decided brothers and sisters should get a monkey too and added lolli-pops for more grins.
Thank you!
ReplyDelete"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
ReplyDelete"God is close to the broken-hearted."
I'm praying that you will experience God's presence and nearness in the midst of your grief.
Kristin ~
ReplyDeleteI just saw read about your sweet Jenson on Safe Haven. My heart sunk. I am so sorry you have lost a piece of your very soul. And the worst part of it all....you must continue on. How?
My heart is aching for you, for Aaron, for Sydney, for all of your family and friends, for everyone who ever knew Jenson.
Life sure can be difficult can't it? Such an understatement. Please know I will be keeping you all close to my heart, and deep in my thoughts.
My love to you,
Jen
Aviana's Mom