Saturday, May 29, 2010

Janessa's Memorial Service Video

We held Janessa's memorial service on May 15th. A day after what would have been her 1st birthday. It was absolutely beauitful & it all went so well. We held it outside at a local church pavilion. It was a gorgeous day. The wind did put a damper on my decoration plan but we adjusted & found a way to make sure the items did not fly away!

The service brought me so much comfort & peace. Being able to do that in honor of our daughter felt amazing. In the days after we lost Janessa we were shocked & devastated. Her funeral was rushed & it never sat right with me the way it was handled. It was so healing to be able to think clear & plan a special day for her.

We had about 80 people attend. We will always remember who was there to support us & remember our daughter. We have expressed gratitude for their presence but they will never know what it meant to have them there. Their support & acknowledgement of Janessa's life is incredibly touching & healing.

I included the full video of her service. It starts with a short slideshow of still images of the venue & decorations. It then goes straight into the video of her service & the first 2 song performances, her new edited life story video, my words, the last performance & finally the butterfly release. I know there are many of you who expressed how much they wish they could have attended. I am glad I was able to upload the video for those who wish to watch. For the fellow grieving parents, I hope the words & message bring some of you some comfort of your own.

MAKE SURE TO PRESS PAUSE ON THE MUSIC PLAYER ON THIS PAGE BEFORE PRESSING PLAY ON THE MEMORIAL SERVICE VIDEO

It may buffer for about 30 secs but then plays straight through.







8 comments:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It looks like you put together a beautiful memorial. I wasn't able to watch all of it. What a pretty song that first couple did. I am sure that Janessa loved it. ((HUGS))

Susan said...

I am so glad that things went well and that it brought you some peace and comfort. There is a lot to be said for peace and comfort at this point in the process. About 60 people attended Gracie's graveside service in August and it gave me the same type of uplifting feeling. It was nice to know that there were that many people willing/able to acknowledge her life. Hugs to you and your boys.....

Elizabeth said...

I am so glad it brought you comfort and peace. It is so hard to get that from the first service sometimes due to the urgency to get it done. *hugs*

Mother Knows Best Reviews said...

This is just lovely. I am so glad that it brought you peace and love. Thinking of you all.

Anonymous said...

such a lovely service. I am in tears watching it. Thank you for sharing it with us. (((hugs)))

With Out My Punkin said...

What a beautiful service, I am glad that it brought you peace- a very special way to honor her on her 1st birthday. Thank you for sharing.

Holly said...

It seems to be buffering forever for me tonight so I'm gonna have to come back and view it. I'm sure her service was so beautiful!!

Once A Mother said...

what a beautiful day xx I know Janessa could feel all the love being sent up to her.

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