A Life Less Lost: Chapter 58
....At the front of the chapel we spread out the gorgeous quilt Delith made for her mother and place photographs, news clippings of her singing career and other mementos of her life. I feel numb, as we sit in the front row waiting for the service to start. The preacher's words are soothing but when Howard and his brothers each give a tribute tears just wash down my face. I open my mouth to sing the beautiful hymns but the words won't come and when Howard's voice falters, I cry some more.,,,
Kimm Walker tells of a profoundly moving memorial service.
To purchase a copy of Kimm's life-changing book A Life Less Lost click on http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=A+Life+Less+Lost
And do visit her Web site http://kbwalker-lifelesslost.blogspot.com/
After initial improvements, Delith's health begins to decline in November, despite positive scan results. She's on medication for epilepsy, steroids for the inflammation in her brain and she's developed diabetes. Unable to drink the sweet drinks she craves, she becomes severely dehydrated in the extreme heat of the Australian summer. The tumour is growing again and there are real fears that it will spread to the brain stem, which causes excruciating pain. They're forced to try chemotherapy.
Through the dedication of her devoted husband, along with the love and support of their family, friends and church, they're able to keep Delith at home until the final week of her life, when she's mainly unconscious. The news of her death comes in March, just over a year after the original diagnosis.
Lorraine, having lost two sisters in a brief period of time, is suffering from depression and anxiety but feels she must be with Delith's family for the funeral. We hold a memorial service here on the same day and are able to download two pieces of music sung by Delith, to play in the church. There are nearly 600 people at the funeral in Australia and 120 people attend our memorial service.
At the front of the chapel we spread out the gorgeous quilt Delith made for her mother and place photographs, news clippings of her singing career and other mementos of her life. I feel numb, as we sit in the front row waiting for the service to start. The preacher's words are soothing but when Howard and his brothers each give a tribute tears just wash down my face. I open my mouth to sing the beautiful hymns but the words won't come and when Howard's voice falters, I cry some more.
Mum's asked me to read the poem, Immortality. I pray I won't let her down, as I force my legs to carry me to the front. It must be the Spirit speaking the words through me because my insides have become fluid and insubstantial.
Afterwards, we move to the Sunday school rooms for refreshments and a chance to talk to the other mourners. The pure notes of Delith's voice bring her presence right among us. I feel a warm tired peace settle. It's as if my tears have cleaned the wound made when her life was ripped away. This opportunity to share memories, with other people who loved her, helps the healing to begin.
