Miami’s Memorial Celebration

The end of December was marked with warm, sunny weather with a background of fresh, glistening snow. By early afternoon the Horsefaire Barn was bustling with activities as we prepared for ,”The Miami Memorial Celebration.”

The “Faire Girls”(our trusted counselors) were putting in hours of advance planing and were ready to guide our “Bebe Angels” through a day of meaningful projects. There were parts to learn, readings to practice, songs to memorize, and dressing up later in the day. We even squeezed a ride in on “Mr. D.”. We worked as a team throughout the afternoon as I looked carefully, to know how each person wanted to contribute. Then I would say things like,” Who would like to arrange these flowers?”.  Each person was encouraged to use their artistic and creative input to help support each other as friends do.

  Now,It was time to welcome parents,students of many years past, and guests. As we gathered in our beautifully decorated barn,I remembered C.S. Lewis saying,” Once a stable contained something bigger than the whole world could contain”. I knew I was about to have the privilege of being a part of this same experience. A Slide Show  with music ( by Anna ) captured her graceful, bright beauty, her love of children, and an amazing ability to paint pictures!  A story of Miami’s remarkable accomplishments which were always shining with her great love, remarkable generosity, and an astounding willingness to serve all human beings was next. A true “Sun King” royal princess!

A procession- filled with flowers, friends, the music:”Agnus Dei”, Frankincense and Myrrh made the way to our tranquil Memorial Garden. Melissa read from St. John 21:1-17. Mara, Hanna, Amelia, and Katia read from the Narnia book - as the children’s version. Mary shared the unexpected “Miami Miracle” that, as Job said,”I have heard of You, but now I see You.” which reunited their hearts forever!!  Regrouping back at the barn, a joyous surprise performance of Anthony Evans` ” Emanuel” was met with a happy round of applause. 

The invitation was extended to all for Tea-Time at Horsefaire Cottage. Butter cookies with jam, dark chocolate cupcakes with whipped cream and a cherry were served with Talbot’s “Clara`s Nutcracker tea” ( rose petal with strawberry- yum ). Later, that night when all was quiet, a little Chihuahua named Baby Bear came out and hunted up all the crumbs! 

My thanks and gratitude to all who knew and loved Miami ( I know some of you were unable to attend the ceremony). Your attendance, visits, cards, gifts,food, and e-mails with photos all are much appreciated.

“Emmanuel-Our God is with us”