On Friday I was priviledged to help Connor's Vanderveen's family celebrate the life of their special son. Connor was born with Hunter's syndrome, a rare inherited genetic disease in which sugar molecules are not broken down properly in the body.Those with early onset Hunter's have a life expectancy of 10-20 years. Connor passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at the Alberta Children's Hospital. At Connor's graveside service, his family gathered to say goodbye, not forever, but for now. As we gathered around his casket for prayers and his comittal to the earth, the family took markers and wrote messages, quotes from scriptures, and " Connorisms" on his simple pine casket. It was a sad time, but yet for those present , including myself, it was also an uplifting, powerful and meaning time. It was a time of reflection and love, of telling the story of Connor's all too brief life here with us, and the legacy and memories he leaves with his family and friends. Connor's life told a story, and those at the cemetery that day reinforced this. The need to tell the story of our loved ones, to reflect and celebrate, to do something that shows they were here with us, and we loved them, and continue to do so. During the service his family sung the " Veggie Tales" theme ( one of Connor's favourite songs and show). It seemed fitting, it seemed right, it told a story. There are times that I'm not always sure that I'm helping families tell the story of their loved ones the best I can. Connor helped me recharge, and know why I do this, why it's important. Thanks Connor for helping me know that what I do makes a difference. Just my thoughts.....
No comments:
Post a Comment