First of all, I asked a friend to create my husband's photo/video show for his Celebration of Life, but then being ME, I couldn't stand not putting Download Patt Fent corrected video together myself! Why do I do these things to myself? I stayed up until 2 a.m. last night(a true labor) because the !$@#&# program upstairs kept giving me errors. Of course, that's the software that I'm comfortable with and it has all the bells and whistles. So, I had to copy the photos and music onto a disk and bring it downstairs for the pitiful Windows Movie Maker. The good news is that WMM didn't have the really cool transitions I wanted(nor any way to increase the time for each photo), thus I was forced to keep it simple. I'm grateful for that now. Secondly, choosing pictures and seeing the deterioration in him over the past two years(especially this fall) made me feel like I was watching him die. How did I not notice it while I was living it? I guess it's about that Veil again, which allowed me the illusion of normality. Not very many people will understand why I chose the photos I did: him proudly holding a huge fish skeleton, funny facial expressions, the dinner he ate at the table for our younger daughter's home ec project, the kitty that he petted while wearing his headphones with aluminum foil on them(not in the photo unfortunately), the looks of love he bestowed on his daughters and me. Every picture, no matter how mundane, tells a story. And they make me thankful for our memories as I revisit our times together.
Finally, I almost didn't attend the annual RHS Class of '74 Glam Rams luncheon yesterday; I didn't feel like talking or being fussed over. However, my good friend Tonya was going to be there, as well as many long-time friends who have truly been there for my family. Diane took me/us to the airport several times, treated me to lunch and homemade soup; Jan brought cooked hamburger and bacon and always wanted to know how she could help us. Tonya sent me numerous supportive messages, as well as a gorgeous coffee basket! And listening to people's stories about children, grandchildren, cancer, divorce and other issues, I realized again that no one's journey is ever perfect or without pain. We found a lot of joy and comfort in each other's company, while sharing our tears; I'm glad I went.
Perfect. I am going to share this entry on Facebook.
Posted by: Donna W | January 06, 2013 at 06:26 PM
Hi - Donna W sent me. I watched your tribute photo montage and it was lovely. I didn't know your husband, but I feel like I do now, just a bit. Beautiful music too. Perfect choices. May we all be so loved and remembered in such a touching and personal way. My heart goes out to you and your gorgeous daughters.
Posted by: Becky Y | January 06, 2013 at 08:12 PM
I like the photos you chose. They're glimpses of a real life, not posed studio photos that don't really tell us anything. What wonderful memories! It's hard, by the way, to see the changes when you're living them. Eggs and peanut butter? I want to hear that story.
Posted by: Zazzy | January 06, 2013 at 09:38 PM
Friends who love you and function as family can be life-saving. MGW
Posted by: Melissa | January 07, 2013 at 12:53 PM
He LOVED you and your girls.
Posted by: Margaret | January 07, 2013 at 07:21 PM
What a wealth of photos. You certainly can see the stories. :)
It's great that you went to your Glam Rams luncheon, even if you didn't feel like it at first. Being around others can sometimes be just what one needs.
Posted by: Marie K | January 07, 2013 at 09:01 PM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Michelle | January 08, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Oh, Margaret. What a wonderful job you did! I loved the video, with all those wonderful photos and the beautiful music. You've shared so much about Patt with us these last few years, allowing us to get to know him--even a little. Maybe that's why I have these tears. I think of you every day, Margaret.
Posted by: Anne | January 08, 2013 at 05:51 PM
I'm Glad You Couldn't Stand Not Putting The Video Together !
I Think You Did A "Wonderful" Job !!
The Music Is Perfect !!!
I Feel Like I Know Patt A Little Bit Even Though I Never Actually Met Him.
The "Love" Really Shows Through !
Hugs And Good Vibes Are Still Headed Your Way !!!
Posted by: Brett | January 08, 2013 at 07:04 PM
I just watched the whole thing. The cheese hat was fabulous. I loved how awesomely 70s part of the shots were! You chose wonderful pictures. I could really see how tightly knit your family is. Thank you for sharing this with us. <3
Posted by: Adrasteia | January 09, 2013 at 01:14 PM