My last www.goteamgaraway.com post discussed Diane’s final moments and announced details of the Memorial. The Memorial, planned by Diane, was executed by family, with gracious assistance from Twin Lakes Church (Pastor Mark Spurlock and staff), reception rum cakes (volunteer bakers), strawberries (Plant Sciences via Rory Odegaard) and hundreds of friends, old and new. Thank you all.
As with everything Diane touched these last months, it exceeded expectations. The grandkids set the tone playing piano (Curran) and violins (Selah/Emma) and singing (22 of them). Son-in-laws, Nate and Jordan, sister Patti (on behalf of Denise/Kelly) and I, each shared from unique perspectives, Pastor Jason Farley gave a homily, we sang Diane’s favorite songs and we fellowshipped.
Our friend, Tim Marshall, produced a video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccZdxSS89kc (ignore the 30 sec. blackout during Jordan’s talk) It’s posted for those unable to attend, who came and wanted to send it to others or who want to refresh their memory. It is long but will lift your spirits, encourage those going through their own hard times and deposit edifying images in your memory bank.
We grieve Diane exiting His story so early, but the service and the time spent afterwards was more celebration than mourning. All who came testified and rejoiced in Diane’s influence on their lives.
Students and surfers we served in the early years in Santa Cruz told how they’re raising godly seed, practicing hospitality and modeling/teaching of the Trinity through their marriages and families. Friends we knew in our “old life,” those we grew up with in the faith, raised our children together with brought fond memories of past, but not forgotten, days that forged who we are today.
On behalf of our family I want to thank everyone who sacrificed to attend. Your presence was a cup of cool water to our parched souls. To the many who contributed to medical bills and other needs during this time and the hundreds who sent cards and emails of condolences and called me and our children, thank you. Your faithfulness was a sweet balm that made this season a time to treasure and a reason to hope and not despair.