Nana's celebration of life

We had my mom's memorial on Friday, January 9th. That date was chosen because it was also her birthday.. she would have turned 56 that day. The gathering was exactly as she would have wanted it.. very low-key, informal, and filled with people having a nice time. I really did feel as if she was there with us that day. I made sure her wishes were kept; there was nothing formal or religious about the gathering. My mom wasn't an atheist by any means, she just didn't think a person needed organized religion in their lives and preferred to have a quieter walk with God. She had faith, I believe, but it was something she rarely spoke of. I think she was happy that everyone that cared about her respected her wishes as we did. I know I was.

Here are some pictures from that night:

My mom loved the theatre and for a while volunteered at the Old Eagle Theatre in Old Sacramento. These shirts were very special to her and were a reminder of how much fun she had with her friends while working there.



My mom loved this bag filled with pictures of her boo-boo, as she called my Nick



These beautiful flowers sat on a table with framed pics of my mom and son together, including ones of the night he was born.



My mother-in-law put together this beautiful picture board from the many pictures I gathered. The birthdate was incorrect but the board turned out wonderful. Thank you so much for that, Collette.



My brother Rich and I. I know our mom smiled when she saw us pose like this.


My sweet nephew Christian and I. He gave me a big, wet smooch right after this pic was taken. He is precious and I hope to help him grow up knowing just what a fabulous Nana he had.