Instead of the Memorial Service

I knew that singing hymns would make me think of her.  I knew that being in church, looking up at the pulpit, would make me think of her.  The thing I was not expecting was that hearing scripture would make me hear it almost in stereo, her voice overlaying the voice of the reader in front of me.  So many memories.

Last week, I chose not to spend the thousand dollars-plus to rush back to Wisconsin for my friend’s memorial service.  There is a part of me that will always ache a little because I wasn’t there.  Over the next year or so, I want to use that thousand dollars to do several things that I hope will honor her.  This is the list so far:

• Purchase a State Park pass for Massachusetts and probably New York too.  My friend and her family loved the parks in Wisconsin (and many other places too).  I am happy to support my local parks in her memory.  It won’t hurt me to spend more time outside either!  Total cost: $100 covers both states.
• Plant a tree.  This one might be a little tricky as I own no property at the moment, but I’m confident I can figure it out.  Surely there is someone nearby in need of a tree or two.  The Berkshire Conservation District and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team both are active here.  They will be my first stops for more information.  Total cost: ?
• Do not purchase an engraved brass plaque or anything that requires such a thing.  This was a specific request in my friend’s self-penned obituary.  It will not be an issue.  Total cost: $0.00

It is a beginning.