Several years ago Barb had the idea that when mom and pop passed we come together in Mountain Lakes for a weekend and celebrate their lives. Turns out to have been a pretty good idea! Also, mom and pop had made their feelings clear and in keeping with their wishes this was not to be a religious or a solemn event. Just a gathering for the renewal of relationships, some hearty meals, good stories, some laughs, maybe a tear or two, and, in general, some quality time together. Well, we did it. Dinner Friday night, spreading the ashes at the Esplanade on Saturday afternoon, and the dinner and ceremony on Saturday night were perfect.

Special thanks to Chris Coombs, long time family friend, and cousin Michael-Ann for taking wonderful pictures at the dinner which you can see below. Also, thanks to those who came from so far away (California, Virginia, Mass., Columbus, New York, and Montville) to celebrate together.

I tried to put some order to the photos so below you’ll see the cocktail hour, ceremony and speakers, an appreciation for our spouses, cousins, and the next generation along with some photos of the “original eight”. If you would like to add any photos or comments just send them to me and I will insert them. So, now, enjoy!

Cocktail Hour

 

 

               

 

                                                                                                                                                                        The Ceremony

 

                                                      First, our master of ceremonies, Todd, takes control.  Aside from not letting me get up and speak for a second time he did a wonderful job.

 

                               Quiet down please

NO Art!! You’re not getting up here again!

                        I’m not kidding!!

                      OK, who’s next? Patty?

                              The Speakers

Thanks to all our speakers: Barb, Patty, Sean, Denny, Laura, Cardie, Megan, and Jan. Also, Maggie’s beautiful song and Quinn’s coming all the way from California to present that great video were deeply appreciated.

 

                      Barb

                      Patty

                     Sean

 

                      Laura

 

 

 

                               Megan

 

 

 

 

 

                    Cardie

 

                         Jan

 

                   Maggie Sang and the older folks cry.

 

           And finally Quinn presents the video

                                                The Audience

Judging by the smiles and applause it would appear our speakers did a good job.

 

  In Appreciation…of our spouses

To Debby, Bob, Jan, Patty, and Adie:  THANK YOU so much for putting up with all our craziness (much of it from me) for all these years. Mom and pop were proud of and loved you all.

 

 

                                                         

                                                                          

In appreciation of our Cousins

Special thanks to Cardie, Carole, Dave, Michael-Ann, Laura, Jerry, Carol and Jack ‘o Boy for joining us. Your attendance was appreciated by all. I believe Uncle Jada, Aunt Betty, Aunt Stelle, Uncle George, our grandparents and, of course, my mom and dad are looking down and smiling; delighted that we spent this time together.

 

 

In Appreciation of the Next Generation

 We are so proud of all of you. Don’t know how else to say it. Hopefully we set a good example for all of you on the benefits of remaining close and supportive. Thanks for being with us and celebrating Nana and Bompa.

 

 

 

                                                

 

 

In Appreciation of the “Original Eight”

 

 

                          The Big Boys

 

 

 

 

The Little Ones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A look back

  Always watching over us

 

The Final Photos

Who new this….

 

       ….would lead to all this!!