during the wake
we all gathered inside
close together
to talk, eat, laugh, cry, listen to music, tell stories, remember
celebrate a life
the children from 4-10
all played together
went outside
chalk in hand
wrote a beautiful welcome to all who would come
and loving tributes to the one who had left.
“tears are words that need to be written.”
-paul coelho
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
When I lived in Maryland, I had a friend by that name, Beth, and he too was a good man.
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wow – that’s good to hear
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Children teach us so much from their innocent, untarnished instincts.
Best wishes, Pete.
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they always do
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May he ride the wave and rest in peace.
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yes –
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❤️
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<3
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Awww. How beautiful is this?
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we were so happy to find this
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I bet! I’ve no idea who this person is but it is a lovely gesture.
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my brother in law –
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Oh, I am so sorry Beth. Please accept my deepest condolences.
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<3
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💞
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<3
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Oh, nothing better than young kids…. and dogs! So direct, honest, wearing their ❤️ to see for everyone.
We lost a nephew at 23yrs…. life is harsh sometimes.
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I’m so sorry and you are right. their dog stayed right in the mix of things, through it all
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How sweat. Childe\ren have such good hearts.
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just so naturally
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The unexpected can be comforting.
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it absolutely can
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So touching.
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It is so touching. And the magnificent quote you included that I have not heard before. I read The Little Prince “It is such a secret place, the land of tears.” The quote you included now taught me what’s the key to that secret place.
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<3
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<3
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Stunning, Beth. I love the greeting/farewell juxtaposition
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yes –
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A beautiful tribute. Love that we all write with the tools at hand whether it be WP or chalk!
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that’s right, and they decided to do this on their own without telling any of the adults
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How wonderful – children really get it. 🧡🧡🧡
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they just so naturally do
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what a touching tribute – simple and honest, and without guile…The quote from Coehlo is stunning and right on point. Sometimes the words fall short and the tears say it more completely..
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absolutely
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Aww. So beautiful 🥹
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<3
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Yes these sketches are on our sidewalks .Thanks for sharing this idea Anita
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nice
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Beth,
Your portrayal of the wake is incredibly moving. The collective sharing of emotions, children playing with chalk, and the heartfelt tributes create a touching celebration of a life. Your concise and evocative words beautifully capture the essence of the moment.
~David
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thank you so much, David
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Those children definitely wanted to be part of the life celebration, and they spoke volumes with just a few words.
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They really did and they never told us anything about it and we noticed when we went outside
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❤️ the kids really nailed it.
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as they always do, quite naturally
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Pure love and caring. Wonderful, Beth. Cher xoxoxo
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that’s exactly what it is
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beautiful and moving, Beth —
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children know just what to do
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Beautiful.
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<3
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My goodness, Beth. What a beautiful way for the children to say what they need to say, with chalk. When everyone comes together, it is wonderful. I hope the wake was not for a child, but if so, children are the best at genuine love and kindness.❤️
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no, it was the recent memorial for my brother in law, they were his grandchildren and his friend’s children
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Awww…I have a lump in my throat. ❤️
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Sorry for your loss of your brother-in-law, Beth! I would shed tears too.
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it was a mix of emotions, but some laughter too with the stories and memories
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It’s always a mix of emotions, at least among my family members who passed.
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yes –
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Children always make wakes and funerals more tolerable. They are so naive and honest.
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they really do, they are just in the mix, a part of life, and they grieve/celebrate in their own way
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Very moving
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it was lovely to see
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How lovely.
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yes, in so many ways
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Heartwarming response from the young ones.
Sorry for your loss, Beth.
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yes, and thank you
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I’ve never understood why it’s become the norm to ‘shield’ children from death. Pretend it doesn’t happen? I hope they were able to see him a last time to say goodbye.
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children need to be a part of it to really make sense of it and begin to understand
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Anonymous above is Jane Dougherty btw…
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:) 🖍️❣️
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<3
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🕊️🙏🏻💞
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<3
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Nice post
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I think children help us deal with death Beth, I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️
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yes, and they do it quite naturally. thank you
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Two words: What love!
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it really is –
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