Saturday, May 23, 2009

Beauty

First of all, I apologize that there was no live feed--the internet at the church went down. Many hours of work on this end, but the failure was on the part of the ISP. I hear that the service was recorded. I'll find out more information later and let you know. I'm so sorry you were all inconvenienced.
Second, I do not know how I will thank everyone, but I will try in a later post and in notes, if I can ever get addresses.

Third, the memorial. Over 400 people in attendance. About 60 choir members from the university. Another 30 or so from the high school. Angelic singing from two awesome sopranos. Selections from the Rutter Requiem and Ubi Caritas et Amor from Maura's college choir, and The Lord Bless You and Keep You from her combined high school/college choir. A long video of photos and video clips of Maura's life. A wonderful obituary and message from a pastor of the church. A moving eulogy from Maura's choir director. Over 1000 flowers, mostly yellow, mostly sunflowers. At least half the church wearing yellow dresses, yellow shirts, yellow jewelry, yellow scarfs, ties, shawls, or shoes. Framed pictures of Maura -lots of pictures of Maura. 1200 origami cranes stretched from one end of the church to the other, hope and smiles and tears and gratitude.

Fourth, after the service. Hugs, remembrances, friends, strangers, lines, food, more food, way too much food, pesames, laughter, shared understanding with those who have also lost a child or recently lost a loved one, Mary fitting into Maura's impossibly small boots, friends just sitting in her room soaking up the remaining fragrance of her life.

11 comments:

Sheena LaShay said...

This sounded absolutely wonderful and beautiful! I wish I could have seen it!

Anonymous said...

The memorial service sounded very beautiful. I wish I could have shared in it. What a wonderful way to remember Maura and celebrate her life. God Bless you all.

Anonymous said...

it sounds like the service was truly beautiful, and i would have expected nothing less. i do very much hope that you can find a way to let those of us who are far away see the video of the service. may blessings more numerous than the origami cranes be upon you and your loved ones.

--kayla r.

cofuzz said...

It sounds even more spectacular than I pictured it. Thanks, as always, for sharing. It's really helped me to grieve. I hope the massive outpouring has helped you as well.
I love y'all!

Anonymous said...

I've been going through some very very tough times in my life. i saw the video of Maura's graduation and her beautiful smile has truly given me all the energy I needed to get right back up and fight,harder than I've ever fought.I want to say thank you to her through you! I'm sure she'll watch over your family from up there.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to WEAR those cute boots! I will post pictures!!!

It was a very beautiful, memorable, and life-changing service!

Mary

jucineia said...

I am so sorry I wasn't there fisically, but spiritually I was.It was almost like I could see it all.I also wore yellow, saturday and sunday.My sun Will, was away for a basketball tournament. He dedicated the games to Maura, of course they won, he played so hard, sprained his finger really badly , but the coment was "Will is on fire,he is playing his best ever...",how nice was that????? I love you all,JU.

SMTrevino said...

Dear DeSouza family,
Through Celina Trevino Byrd, my daughter, we heard of Maura's homecoming. So many things came to mind and memories that we held dear. We remember your family as a strong, loving and fun family. Full of joy and happiness - you brightened our lives for the short time we knew you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you - We are the Trevino's who lived in Spring and visited your home and shared Junior High and freshman memories with you and Maura until we moved to Dallas. May God be with you.
Dan and Sandra Trevino

Anonymous said...

Wish you and yr family all the strength...You have done well so far and am sure Maura is smiling at you..

As they say, the candle that burns the brightest, lasts the shortest.... and God takes away early the one He loves the most....

Wish you all the strength and am sure you will find happiness in the all moments you were able to share with her...

warm regards from just a random reader...

Anonymous said...

Hello-
I am somewhat of a random reader. I know of Maura's story through a friend of a friend of Lydia's. This story and Maura's strength have touched me so deeply. I just wanted to share with you that I was thinking about your family and Maura yesterday, and the brightest yellow butterfly flitted past me. nMay God bless your family. Your faith has moved me. Thank you for raising awareness about Sarcoma.

Anonymous said...

Dear Erin, in my personal opinion you should turn Maura's amazing story into a book!