The Unexpected Loss of my Big Sister, Annette ...

This may be the hardest entry I've written...
 I think I'm still in shock and disbelief...

Grief is a confusing and consuming process.

I got a call from my sister, Lisa, in the middle of the night 

that Annette was gone...

She died Oct 11, 2014 of complications from surgery.

I traveled to Nashville Oct 14th-20th, 

to be with my family.
It's healing to be together during such difficult days.

 We planned the Memorial Service and all the family helped make

gifts to give to those who attended.  Cousin Jeanine planned

for us to decoupage pictures of Annette's last heart from

her Hearts Project onto 300 tiles.

We handed them out at Service along with this
poem she wrote to go with the painting...
True and inspiring words!

She had just complete this final "Heart" of her Heart's Project. 

Link to other of her amazing Hearts...

Watch Annette's Memorial Service here...
Such a tribute to the amazing person she was!!!

Nathan Lee singing the song he wrote for the Service!

 

My mom and brothers and sisters together at Annette's house.

 Family and extended family who were able to be there
for the Memorial service.  Thankful for each one!!!

 

We followed Annette's wishes to celebrate and throw a party

whenever she left this earth ... so great to be with family and friends

as we celebrated my dear sister Annette's life!

 Annette's son, Sam, and girlfriend, Brittney!  Two amazing young people!

More pics of our time in Nashville and the Memorial.