Remembering and looking forward

What do you do with the ashes of a special person? How do you mark the death of a loved husband and father in a way that allows looking forward as well as back, that celebrates a life well lived?
Is there a definitive answer? I think not.

I am grateful to so many friends and family who have sustained us, giving shoulders to cry on and laughter to share. Who, by their strength, have shown me how to go forward, sometimes when I had none at all.

Tonight, in the company of David's sister and husband, and in the company of 6 or 7 supportive families of friends, we planted a little grove of 5 silver birch trees and placed some of David's mortal remains next to each tree. Many of our friends, young and old, helped us with this sombre task, before we all back filled in the holes, and then placed white stones around each tree.

It was a simple and moving experience to share.

In time to come, a space will be created inside that grove to sit and just be.

Listening to the trees whispering and rustling in the wind.

Remembering that once we were loved by David, knowing that we will always be loved by God, and growing in understanding that those two statements are inexplicably united in his family.