To live in hearts we leave behind; Is not to die.

~Thomas Campbell


Monday, November 23, 2009

Eleanor shares her memories of Roxanna

I met Roxanna as a client for nails. This means I sat with her for two hours every three weeks for twelve years or more. I went from her nail station in Tigard to her coming to my house, to Mandy's house, to the house in Hillsboro . I was lucky to be retained whenever Roxana had to trim down her schedule.

Roxanna was a perfectionist. She filled her life with artistic accomplishments of all kinds, including bride's dresses, children's clothes, fairy things, child-sitting and visits and many expressions of love and devotion to everyone around her. Her life turned out to be short, but she wasted no time in leaving her mark on this world.

Over the time I knew Roxanna I met most members of the family, including all the grandchildren as she cared for each of them across those years. She had an enviable wealth of family and did not miss any opportunity to be together with you all. The summer hangout near Detroit Lake seemed like a high point . Even though you are many, I know she was at the heart of it all and must still be sorely missed.

As a friend and companion, Roxanna had the things I value (and which are not that easy to find): a combination of candor, intelligence, thoughtfulness and humor. She was also spiritual in a most genuine and non-intrusive way. She was easy to talk to, a great listener, able to be silent at times and handled different perspectives well. We mostly agreed on things, but if we didn't, she expressed herself tactfully without hiding her view. Her words were always well chosen and I never heard her speak in platitudes. This is what gave me so much respect for her as a person.

Truly the salt of the earth, a beautiful woman and a loving mother and wife, although I feel so sad that she is gone, she left a lasting impression on me. If there is a beyond, I look forward to seeing her there.

Take care all,

Love,

Eleanor


Saturday, November 21, 2009

A prayer in your memory

Today, on the one year anniversary of Mama's release from earthly concern, I offer this prayer from the 1945 Book of Common Prayer according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. This prayer is also offered in celebration of the lives of her parents, George Robert Clark and Theda Geraldine Fowles Clark. This Book of Common Prayer belong to Mumum. It was used at St Paul's Episcopal Church where Mama and Daddy were married.

Almight God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We give thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labours. And we beseech thee, that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of thy hold Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen