This morning was very special. Very early this morning as the sun popped up over the horizon we all celebrated one of my oldest son's best friends. As you recall he was killed in a car accident in California on February 13, of this year. It has been a terrible blow for the family and friends left behind. He was one of this special group of boys, the four of them did everything together through high school. Although they went to different colleges and swam for different teams they were closer than close.
Today, after many, many delays due to the current pandemic the ceremony was finally performed. While some of us waited on the beach (Mr 23 came with me to honor a young man he grew up with at our house all the time), many people paddled out to the water, each holding a rose. They gradually got into a circle and after a moment of silence, Thomas' Dad said some words, then they threw their roses into the center of the circle. As his ashes were placed in the water everyone splashed and splashed. It was really beautiful and very touching. And coincidentally, after all the many delays the ceremony ended up being on Thomas' birthday. This was the other half to the ash ceremony that was in California right after he passed. This was also attended by Mr 26 and his two friends who flew out after just a few days of even getting used to this. They spent over 36 hours traveling just to be there to honor their friend.
After the ceremony this morning there was a one mile swim in honor of Thomas. The three boys, while excellent swimmers had not swum for a long time. Still they made it and actually did very well. They were all pretty tired afterward, the water temps are very warm and so is the air. It was beautiful for us standing on the beach but maybe not so much for those swimming. There will be a yearly swim in February to honor Thomas.
We saw people we have not seen in years, young people coming to honor their friend. People like me who were not able to make it to California for the other end of this service. It really was a beautiful tribute to a really wonderful young man who will be sorely missed the rest of our lives.
I am blessed Mr 26 has been close by to offer support to this wonderful family. He has gone to workout with the father a few times, helped move things in the garage, painted, picked up a shed they needed from the store. Whatever the reason he has connected with these wonderful parents who need to see a young man that reminds them of their son. Someone they can hug and hold onto even if it is only for a brief moment.
And as much as this contact helps them it helps my son. To know he is there for this family is a way to honor the wonderful friendship he had with Thomas and will always have in his heart.
Hugs your kids my friends, things change fast. Stay safe.
27 comments:
God rest his beautiful young soul. I love everything about this tribute and such a lovely gesture to have it annually. The Irish Gaelic blessing was a beautiful touch too. You're quite rightly proud of Mr.26 (and your other boys) and so you should be. xxx
RIP Thomas.What a lovely tribute and to do it every year is a great idea.I cannot begin to understand how the family are coping.Such a tragic loss.
What a beautiful tribute to your son's friend. I'm very impressed with how he's been there for his family, it shows what great character he has and you raised him very well. I love the image of the rose on the beach. Sending love your way from Oregon. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Such a beautiful tribute, this has me in tears. God bless Thomas's family and his friends. Being there for one another is a beautiful way to honor this young man.
A beautiful way to say goodbye.
You made me cry.
You are raising good men. And there is no more important job.
What a wonderful tribute to a young man. It always makes me cry when they are young and got their life in front of them. You have raised a wonderful son.
Well, it was quite an amazing morning wasn't it? I can imagine the circle of people, the swimmers and the love that was in that place today. Meredith, you are to be commended for raising your boys to always think of others and put their needs before their own. I pray the fnishing of the second memorial will give a sense of peace and comfort to his family. What a great thing to do it annually.
Blessings,
Betsy
What a lovely ceremony and how very sad for everyone to have lost such a young man. No doubt everyone is very proud of the boys who are honouring their friend. Such a poignant reminder for us all of how precious life is. Hugs, CJ xx
How sad but beautiful, what a lovely way to honour and remember this young man. xx
What a wonderful tribute. This tragedy will affect a lot of people for the rest of their lives, in lots of different ways, but for everyone to come together in this way is such a positive step and it must make his parents proud that their son is such a big part of so many people's lives.
What a beautiful, moving tribute. I can’t think of a better way to honour a friend. Your son is a fine young man.
Take care x
these pictures and your words touched my heart deeply.
Caffeine Girl in her comment said it well...
"you are raising good men. and there's no more important job."
bless you Mere. and bless the dear family who lost their precious Thomas too soon.
and Mr 26. he renews my faith.
xo
May the ceremony help heal the wound from the loss of this young man.
I'm glad you could attend with your son. Hugs.
What a perfect ceremony to honor their friend. I wish I had their courage to walk my parents out into the bay as was their wishes. I am just not ready to let go yet.
The loss of a son is, to me, unimaginable. I have two sons who are my heart.
Thomas's passing has brought many new sons into his parents' lives; this can offer them such comfort and peace.
Caffeine Girl's comment says it best and echoes my sentiments.
We had a wonderful day yesterday with our sons at the lake. My heart was overflowing. I appreciate them every day.
Sounds like a great collaboration of ideas from friends and family made this event perfect. I love all the photos. You are raising wonderful men. I'm glad you got to experience his spirit amongst you all again.
hugs
kathy b
A fitting tribute to a treasured friend. Hugs. Jo x
I enjoyed the photos you shared. I realized when reading the sign who it was. Sad to read that young man died but so that your son knew him and his family. Praying for them and you as well. We lost a man in our town I'd known over the years. No memorial service yet, but hope eventually! I know his son and his wife and they are so fun to be around. I just saw them Fri a few minutes. Thanks for stopping my blog and for your kind comment! Hugs to you and prayers for a safe and blessed week!! x------x
I am choked up at the beautifulness of this ceremony. Blessings to you and your son and that beautiful family who said goodbye to a son too soon. You are right, hug your people!!
Thanks for sharing this most special tribute to your son's friend.
How sad. I love the birthday coincidence. Sending comfort to all of you.
It is wonderful you all were able to celebrate Thomas's life as you mourn. I care about your loss. love and hugs
Tremendously emotive!! Incredibly beautiful tribute such a sad loss though. It must be so hard for you all! Amanda
A beautiful post about a beautiful remembrance of a beloved son and friend. It's so important to show love.
This is deeply touching. And so far sad and yet healing. I will say that your son being supportive to the family will indeed benefit them both. We've lived with that when our Greg's good friend since grade school died. He visits Al's family often and they look forward to being able to share with them in a way they can't always to others. And Greg, too, is able to talk and share in a different way than he can with us. Mr. 23 sounds like a wonderful young man.
This is so touching and so beautiful and so sad. God bless Mr. 26, his friends, and Tom's family, and send them comfort in their sorrow.
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