Last Friday our friends Lionel, a Cree Shaman and Irvin, a Cree sculptor, conducted a pipe ceremony at our stone circle, in honor of Marcel's life. Marcel was not Native but had a huge love and respect for the people and culture. The ceremony was attended by immediate relatives and a few very close friends.
Following the ceremony there was an outdoor potluck dinner organized by my friends Brenda and Tanis. After we finished eating a sharing circle was formed (quite a feat when dealing with this batch of relatives!) and each person was given the opportunity to say a few words.
The day was perfect. Everyone commented that it was just what he would have wanted and that they left feeling much more at peace.
On Sunday there will be a public memorial which will be open to anyone wishing to attend.
My daughter Carmel, from Australia, will be staying here for a few more weeks. I am sure that I have the best four children in the world. I don't know how I would get through this without them.
Thank you so much for all your kind comments and prayers. They are much appreciated.
24 comments:
Wow! That sounds like such a special time! The infinite generosity of Canada's native peoples continues to amaze me. In terms of a ceremony that sounds exactly like what I would like. I hope it was as healing for you as it would have been special and meaningful to Marcel. He must have been a very empathetic and spiritual person.
Oh dear heavens, Joyce. I am so sorry for Marcel's passing! I had no idea....
What a special man and rich life he lived! My sincere condolences to you and your loving family.
I am so grateful to have met him...and to have heard him saying "Right on", which I thought was so cool.
Again, I send you my heartfelt love and prayers, Joyce.
You've been in my thoughts for the last week.
What a wonderful day. Marcel would have loved it. I'll be there in spirit on Friday.
xx
I've been thinking of you too.
What a wonderful event to share in, in honor of your Marcel...
My thoughts have been with you at this time Joyce... Take care.
I'm so glad that you have such wonderful children and friends to help you through this most difficult time.
Your family seems to just pulsate with love and light...bless each and every one of you as you take each day at a time.
How rewarding to have people laughing, happy, and celebrating his life instead of tears, crying etc., although I know that will also occur in private. He would have enjoyed the day as well.
I am thinking of you. Wishing you understanding and whatever you need.
What a wonderful way to honor his life and spirit. We should all be so lucky. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending love, hugs and a hope for strength in the days to come.
A wonderful ceremony to honour a wonderful man.
What a lovely, lovely way to celebrate the life of someone so exceptional. I think you do have four wonderful and amazing children and I don't doubt for one moment that they are, as they are, because of two wonderful and loving parents who gifted them with a lives of joy and gratitude and giving. Continued prayers and blessings to all of you.
I also echo all that has been said.
My heart goes out to you each day to give you strength.
Oh Joyce, I'm so sorry to see the news. What a wonderful ceremony you had for him.
Such a wonderful way to gather together. Just perfect.
I have been thinking of you and hope that you are dping OK.
doing! sorry! darn fingers:)
I'm so sorry for your loss Joyce.
Joyce,
I am sure that you and yours found some comfort during this ceremony. I teach in a school that offer Cree as a second language and part of our program includes cultural programming and traditions. Even though I am not aboriginal, I have come to appreciate the beauty and spirituality of the culture.
May you and your family continue to find yourselves surrounded by the loving support of friends.
Sending you warm thoughts and prayers,
Regards,
Anna
Hi Joyce, You have often been in my thoughts these past days. I hope you are finding peace. I know you are surrounded by so many people that love you. Sending you my love, Chris
Thinking of you. xx
Hi Joyce,
My thoughts are with you and your family. It sounds like you had a good day celebrating Marcels life.
my congratulations!
Oh Joyce, I haven't known what to say, but I really just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. You and Marcel have obviously been a great team and produced a great family. xxx tracey
Dear Joyce,
Somehow I missed the post about Marcel dying. That is very bad news indeed. I am glad that friends and family were able to give him a fitting farewell.
A creative spirit needs that.
I send you hugs and sympathy. Life will never be quite the same for you again but I hope your creative spirit fights through and eventually you are able to carry on making and blogging and I hope that you and your family will always remember and talk about your dear Marcel.
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