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.