Baelin's Memorial

We had the memorial last Thursday (May 28) and our family and closest friends came. It was very hard inviting people because we have so many friends, but I wanted to keep it smallish so I only invited people we see regularly and that are very close to us, that I spend a lot of time talking to about Baelin. We tried to keep it very simple. When people arrived, we went right into the backyard where the kids played and grownups talked until everyone got there. I also set up the kiddos painting large river rocks for decorating the garden. Then my dad did a short, 15min or so, service type thing...we used Baelin's song ("Precious Child") at the end, and it was really heart-wrenching. Not many dry eyes. Then a closing prayer and we were off to plant the garden. It went really wonderful. I was so touched at all the wonderful variety of beautiful plants and garden decor that were donated and watching everyone pitch in and help us decide where to put what, and of course the planting. It was really beautiful. Check out the gallery of pics from the planting here.