[LeahM]

Friends,

I was able to attend Denise's memorial service today. Must have been over 100 people there, no big surprise. There was a laptop set up that ran a continuous stream of photo's of Denise and her family. I was able to meet and hug her husband Ted (great hugger btw) and also meet (again, she and I met briefly back in April) and hug her little sister Sally and Sally's daughter Erin. I met Jack and Ben too, such handsome young men but refrained from forcing them to hug some strange lady.

Denise's sister in law Martha gave a beautiful eulogy, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. She was so loved. Teds brother sang a wonderful rendition of Ava Marie. Just beautiful.

I can see why she loved her church and pastor so much, such a feeling of family.

I encouraged Ted and Sally to visit us here when they are ready.

It was a beautiful day to say goodbye to such a beautiful lady. A crisp and sun-shiny fall day, a perfect day for Denise.

I felt all of you there in spirit, holding hands with one another.

Leah