Well, it has been quite awhile since we have updated this blog because mom has now started her own blog. For those who now want to follow mom and what she is doing since dad has died you can check out her blog at:
http://sherry-newadventures.blogspot.com/
This is totally her blog. I don't even have the password to write anything on it. Just a few family updates for anyone who is interested.
Dad's ashes were buried at Willamette National Cemetery. On Sunday, before we left Portland, most of the family members went to find dad's grave site. It was down a grassy hill, at the edge of a blackberry patch, where mom would not be able to get to it. Trust me, we tried!!! I suggested that we call and find out if they could "move" dad to a better location so mom could visit him with or without help. Mom finally got word back from the cemetery that with mine and Greg's written consent, they could move dad into one of the cement walls through out the cemetery. Now, as much as I know dad would love to be in a grassy knoll with flowers, at this point it is more important that mom be able to visit him. LOL. My Aunt Cathy and her husband Billy took mom to the cemetery a few weekends ago. Because mom can't get to dad's current place of burial, Aunt Cathy took a picture on mom's cell phone of the headstone (which will need to be moved with him) so mom could see it. Mom has sent all of us, via our cell phones, a picture as well but I do not know how to get it from my cell phone to my computer. When I do, I will post a picture of it and I believe that will be the last entry in this blog.
The other big family news is that mom has RETIRED and is trying to figure out the rest of her life without dad. At this point, she is trying to figure out how she can live part time with me and part time with Greg. I encourage you to follow this situation on her blog.
I will close by saying I miss him more than I ever thought possible. Not a day has gone by that tears have not been shed. Mom has been very strong. I am very proud of her and dad would be too!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sherry Cameron Update
Dad has been gone for 2 weeks as of last night. Not a day has gone by that I haven't found myself wiping tears from eyes. It's the smallest, silliest things that cause them to stream down my face. We all miss him tremendously. Mom has been so strong through everything; Dad would be so proud. I am so proud.
Greg flew home on Monday. I am so thankful for all that he did for mom while he was there. He has made such big changes in his life. He changed mom's brakes pads. He cleaned up her house after we all left on Sunday and put things away in the garage that mom wouldn't have been able to do. He figured out what needed to be done to get dad's scooter running so she would be able to use it to go to the grocery store. I know that he was very grateful for someone buying his plane ticket to be there.
Mom went back to work on Tuesday. She said the first day back everyone was so kind. We were so thankful for the many co-workers who were at the memorial service. On Wednesday, mom had a very emotionally hard day. After talking to Greg and I, we discovered all 3 of us had emotional break downs that day. Mom said dad must have doing something in heaven that day. Greg and I both talk to mom every day. I know other family members and friends call her frequently too. Thank you.
So now we are working on getting mom independent. Something dad had been working on ever since he became sick. At our family gathering Sunday, Steve and Greg surfed the Internet to find a lift that will work for mom. It has to be one that loads the electric chair from the side so that she can ride the chair on the lift and then get in her car and then operate the lift to load the chair. They found one that will work for $2,400. Greg called and found the same lift for $2,000. I believe Greg is going to order it on Monday and mom is working out a way to pay for it. If you want to contribute something to help mom pay for it you can email me (melodyjdouglass@yahoo.com) and I will let you know where to send the money. Aunt Cathy has a mechanic that she thinks can install the lift at a good price, so we will need figure out how to pay for that as well. This will enable mom to be independent.
We will be posting pictures soon of the services. We appreciate everyones kind words and continued concern for mom. This is the first time in her life that mom has been alone so I would encourage anyone to call or visit or email or whatever other form of contact you would like to have with her.
Thanks.
Melody
Greg flew home on Monday. I am so thankful for all that he did for mom while he was there. He has made such big changes in his life. He changed mom's brakes pads. He cleaned up her house after we all left on Sunday and put things away in the garage that mom wouldn't have been able to do. He figured out what needed to be done to get dad's scooter running so she would be able to use it to go to the grocery store. I know that he was very grateful for someone buying his plane ticket to be there.
Mom went back to work on Tuesday. She said the first day back everyone was so kind. We were so thankful for the many co-workers who were at the memorial service. On Wednesday, mom had a very emotionally hard day. After talking to Greg and I, we discovered all 3 of us had emotional break downs that day. Mom said dad must have doing something in heaven that day. Greg and I both talk to mom every day. I know other family members and friends call her frequently too. Thank you.
So now we are working on getting mom independent. Something dad had been working on ever since he became sick. At our family gathering Sunday, Steve and Greg surfed the Internet to find a lift that will work for mom. It has to be one that loads the electric chair from the side so that she can ride the chair on the lift and then get in her car and then operate the lift to load the chair. They found one that will work for $2,400. Greg called and found the same lift for $2,000. I believe Greg is going to order it on Monday and mom is working out a way to pay for it. If you want to contribute something to help mom pay for it you can email me (melodyjdouglass@yahoo.com) and I will let you know where to send the money. Aunt Cathy has a mechanic that she thinks can install the lift at a good price, so we will need figure out how to pay for that as well. This will enable mom to be independent.
We will be posting pictures soon of the services. We appreciate everyones kind words and continued concern for mom. This is the first time in her life that mom has been alone so I would encourage anyone to call or visit or email or whatever other form of contact you would like to have with her.
Thanks.
Melody
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How Do We Wrap It Up?
Have you ever gone to a movie and when you get to the end of it you just have that sinking feeling that the director had no clue how to wrap it up? You walk out of the theater saying 'huh?". Thus is the case with this blog. How do you take 14 months worth of entries (93 to be exact) that shared the ups, downs, joys and sorrows of a man we all love, and wrap it up with a big sign that says, "The End"? Not sure I know.
I will recap the past couple days (I'll try to be brief!) because it not only brings closure to the past difficult weekend, but also begins a new chapter in Sherry's life. She will experience anew the companionship of Jesus, discover that life can go on while making new memories and find each and everyday that she is loved immensely by her kids, grand kids, family and friends.
As mentioned in our last update, our plan Sunday was to gather as a family and watch a NASCAR race together. Saturday night, Sherry and I along with Sarah and Emily (2 of Sherry's granddaughters) went across the street to Safeway to buy all the fixin's for a Larry style BBQ. Greg, Sherry's son, spent a better part of the evening replacing the brakes on Sherry's car. She felt it was important to be able to stop! Larry would have been extremely proud of Greg for doing this for his mom. Sherry went to bed around 9 and the rest of us headed home or to where we were staying. Greg and Sarah stayed the night with Sherry.
Sunday came and we regrouped at Sherry's around noon. We soon learned that the race was rained out!! While our opportunity to enjoy the race together was gone, we still had lots of laughs, great food, and a little more time together. Just before everyone headed home we made a trip back to the cemetery to see Larry's resting place. Sherry, Greg, Melody and I, Sarah, Emily, Kaity, Cathy and Bill and April made the trip together. We had a map and the section where he was placed. After a few wrong turns through the cemetery (it is a huge place and Sherry was leading the way!!) we found the section. We got out of our cars, and the search was on. We looked around a bit and then discovered "section 7" was across the roadway. Once we were on the right side of the road, we quickly found his spot. The marker has not been placed yet - that takes a little time to make, I guess. It will read "Larry James Cameron, April 1942 - April 2010 - Forever In Our Hearts". There will also be a cross etched in it to represent Larry's life of faith. For now there is a simple green metal stand with an official looking paper in it with the details. Of course, we placed lots of flowers at the site. His plot is down a slight incline so Sherry was not physically able to get to it. In time she will as they get that section completely landscaped. I must say that the Curtright clan (Sherry, Charlene, Cathy and April) will need to learn to use their cemetery voices when they visit Larry. Don't ever take the Curtright girls to a library. Guaranteed you'll get kicked out!
From there we hugged, hugged some more, and hugged one more time as we said our goodbyes. Melody, Kaity and I headed home to Sisters Oregon from there, our daughter Sarah headed to visit friends at the coast, Cathy, Bill and April headed to their homes in Beaverton and Clackamas. After taking Emily back to Portland State, Sherry and Greg stopped at Macaroni Grill for a quick bite before heading home. I am sure they had some sweet mother-son time. They haven't had that for years.
Sherry was home from work Monday to be with Greg before he had to leave around 3 to head back to Tennessee. He did lots of things around the house, took care of some of Larry's leftover "honey-do's" and worked with the apartment maintenance man to get Sherry's scooter easier to charge. Greg was pretty emotional when he left. Sherry reminded him that he had a family of his own to tend to, but that did little to ease the pain. Greg is a changed man and that was so evident this weekend. We are so grateful that he and his dad were able to reconcile in these past years.
After dropping Greg at the airport, Sherry headed to a home that wasn't empty, but full of the life that Larry led, the laughter that we all shared these past couple weeks and the hope that Sherry has as a beloved Child of God.
So how do we end this? Well we've decided we aren't quite ready to. Many have asked that we keep updating it as to how Sherry is transitioning and to keep them informed of any practical opportunities that come up where they can continue to walk with Sherry through this time and be of help. That's what Larry would want - so that's what we'll do. Sherry loves to get calls or emails even if it is to just say hello. We promised Larry just moments before his eyes closed for the last time that we would take care of Sherry. It won't always be easy but it will always be worth it.
For a grateful family...
Steve
I will recap the past couple days (I'll try to be brief!) because it not only brings closure to the past difficult weekend, but also begins a new chapter in Sherry's life. She will experience anew the companionship of Jesus, discover that life can go on while making new memories and find each and everyday that she is loved immensely by her kids, grand kids, family and friends.
As mentioned in our last update, our plan Sunday was to gather as a family and watch a NASCAR race together. Saturday night, Sherry and I along with Sarah and Emily (2 of Sherry's granddaughters) went across the street to Safeway to buy all the fixin's for a Larry style BBQ. Greg, Sherry's son, spent a better part of the evening replacing the brakes on Sherry's car. She felt it was important to be able to stop! Larry would have been extremely proud of Greg for doing this for his mom. Sherry went to bed around 9 and the rest of us headed home or to where we were staying. Greg and Sarah stayed the night with Sherry.
Sunday came and we regrouped at Sherry's around noon. We soon learned that the race was rained out!! While our opportunity to enjoy the race together was gone, we still had lots of laughs, great food, and a little more time together. Just before everyone headed home we made a trip back to the cemetery to see Larry's resting place. Sherry, Greg, Melody and I, Sarah, Emily, Kaity, Cathy and Bill and April made the trip together. We had a map and the section where he was placed. After a few wrong turns through the cemetery (it is a huge place and Sherry was leading the way!!) we found the section. We got out of our cars, and the search was on. We looked around a bit and then discovered "section 7" was across the roadway. Once we were on the right side of the road, we quickly found his spot. The marker has not been placed yet - that takes a little time to make, I guess. It will read "Larry James Cameron, April 1942 - April 2010 - Forever In Our Hearts". There will also be a cross etched in it to represent Larry's life of faith. For now there is a simple green metal stand with an official looking paper in it with the details. Of course, we placed lots of flowers at the site. His plot is down a slight incline so Sherry was not physically able to get to it. In time she will as they get that section completely landscaped. I must say that the Curtright clan (Sherry, Charlene, Cathy and April) will need to learn to use their cemetery voices when they visit Larry. Don't ever take the Curtright girls to a library. Guaranteed you'll get kicked out!
From there we hugged, hugged some more, and hugged one more time as we said our goodbyes. Melody, Kaity and I headed home to Sisters Oregon from there, our daughter Sarah headed to visit friends at the coast, Cathy, Bill and April headed to their homes in Beaverton and Clackamas. After taking Emily back to Portland State, Sherry and Greg stopped at Macaroni Grill for a quick bite before heading home. I am sure they had some sweet mother-son time. They haven't had that for years.
Sherry was home from work Monday to be with Greg before he had to leave around 3 to head back to Tennessee. He did lots of things around the house, took care of some of Larry's leftover "honey-do's" and worked with the apartment maintenance man to get Sherry's scooter easier to charge. Greg was pretty emotional when he left. Sherry reminded him that he had a family of his own to tend to, but that did little to ease the pain. Greg is a changed man and that was so evident this weekend. We are so grateful that he and his dad were able to reconcile in these past years.
After dropping Greg at the airport, Sherry headed to a home that wasn't empty, but full of the life that Larry led, the laughter that we all shared these past couple weeks and the hope that Sherry has as a beloved Child of God.
So how do we end this? Well we've decided we aren't quite ready to. Many have asked that we keep updating it as to how Sherry is transitioning and to keep them informed of any practical opportunities that come up where they can continue to walk with Sherry through this time and be of help. That's what Larry would want - so that's what we'll do. Sherry loves to get calls or emails even if it is to just say hello. We promised Larry just moments before his eyes closed for the last time that we would take care of Sherry. It won't always be easy but it will always be worth it.
For a grateful family...
Steve
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A Service Larry Would Have Loved...
I have had many conversation over the years with Larry regarding church. Not so much about theology, but methodology. His "Brethren" background had etched in him the way a church service should be. He liked a Pastor that preached the Word and didn't take forever to do it. He liked to sing the great hymns of the faith and not the "fluffy" praise choruses that are dominant in worship services today. He liked a church with pews. He liked a church that had a cross in the sanctuary. He liked to hear a good testimony. He liked his family in church with him. He liked to serve the less fortunate around him. He liked a good pot-luck.
So it was no surprise that the Memorial Service that took place yesterday (Saturday April 17th) was pretty much one that Larry would have been pleased with.
Family and many friends gathered at 1:00 at Evergreen Community Church, in Oregon City. A small church in the country that was once where Sherry's family attended. It was held there since the church Larry and Sherry attend (Mt. View Baptist Temple) doubles as a Seventh Day Adventist church. We didn't feel we could kick the SDA's out on a Saturday!
The church was adorned with mementos and remembrances of Larry. Photos of beautiful flowers, mountains, waterfalls and spiders, picture frames that held photos of his dear Sherry, the dogs, the grand kids. A black and white photo of he and his 4 brothers in there younger days. There was NASCAR things and, of course, military medals and "Old Glory" that Sherry was presented with at Friday's graveside ceremony. There was also a sketch of Larry that was actually carved into a small white paper sack. Light from a candle inside the flame-proof sack glowed through the carving. Amazing artwork done by a friend of Sherry's sister, Cathy. This sack will be placed around a track one evening in a few weeks at a Relay For Life with hundreds of others - memorializing victims of this terrible disease.
As you entered the sanctuary you saw the simplicity of this church - complete with pews and a big cross. Up front on the communion table were two photos of Larry alongside a beautiful floral arrangement sent to Sherry by the Cameron nieces and nephews, and a large table top atrium with beautiful plants sent to Sherry by Larry's surviving brothers in Michigan. Larry told his brothers that when he passed away they were not to go through the fuss of trying to get out to Oregon for the services. He would prefer they gather at a local bar and have a beer and and share memories and just be together.
The service started at 1:00. All of the family entered from the side and took our place in the first three rows. Grandpa would have gotten a kick out of Melody, Greg and all the grand kids trying to squeeze into the first pew!! It was pretty comical. The eventually all got settled. I could hear snickers and giggles from them. Grandpa would have laughed right along with them. We were all welcomed by Larry's Pastor, Gil Hanson Jr and he read the 23rd Psalm and then prayed.
Sherry selected some of Larry's favorite hymns for the congregation to sing together. I was honored to lead the singing portion of the service. We sang "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" - an upbeat hymn about the believers entrance into heaven at the end of life.
Larry's sister-in-law, Cathy, then gave a testimony. She shared several stories of her life with Larry. The mischievousness, pranks and games Larry played on her from the time she was very young until recent months. She talked about how precious Larry was to her and how she will always look at Larry as a "brother".
After another hymn, Ivory Palaces, one of Larry's contractor friends spoke. The McBee family has known and worked with Larry for years. One of the sons, Steve, shared about the high respect he and his family had for Larry. He talked about how Larry was so very honorable in how he conducted business. Steve talked about when times were tough Larry and the McBee's would look out for each other and give each other jobs. That was Larry - a very respected businessman - not only from fellow contractors - but clients alike.
We then sang "The Old Rugged Cross" - a song about the cross where Jesus died, for Larry, for you and for me. It was obviously a favorite of the congregation just based on how loud they sang it!
The next testimony was from a long time family friend, Caroline Cantrell. Caroline and her husband Jim met Larry and Sherry some 30 years ago. They met when attending a support group for parents of children struggling with the law. Caroline told us how they really didn't learn much from the counselor (young, single, no kids telling them how to raise theirs), but they had so much to talk about and learn from each other when they would go out for a drink after the meeting. From that a very strong bond was formed. She shared a few stories and talked about some of the political "discussions" they would have with Larry. Caroline talked about the love Larry had for Sherry, his love for flowers, how Larry was a "giver". She talked about how she knew of Larry's faith because he lived it. Jim and Caroline each had the opportunity to speak with Larry last Friday night before he passed away. By the way, the two sons have made huge strides in turning their lives around due, much in part, to the unconditional love of their parents.
The hymns "God Will Take Care of You" and "It Is No Secret" were sung. Again, two of Larry's favorites.
Pastor Gil Hansen Sr. then spoke and shared from Gods Word. He talked about salvation - something that Larry wanted and wants for all of his family and friends. He talked about the cross. He talked about heaven and how Larry is now in the presence of the Lord - not suffering, not hurting. He challenged all of us to carry on Larry's legacy by reaching out to Sherry and helping her - particularly in the next few months as she transitions to being without Larry. Pastor closed with prayer.
So there it was, a service that was in a church, we sang hymns, there was a big cross, the Pastor preached the Word, there were testimonies and pews, and his family was present. And it was all topped off with refreshments!
After the service everyone gathered downstairs to enjoy refreshments provided by Charlene and her extended family, and church family. The reception went on for quite some time as old friends got reacquainted, family that hadn't seen each other for years getting caught up on the latest. It was a great end to an emotional service.
We are so grateful for all of those that attended as well as the countless number of you who were not able to attend but held us in your thoughts and prayers.
The plan for Sunday is to gather one more time before we all get back to life and move forward. We are getting together at Sherry's to watch a NASCAR race!! That is what Larry did every Sunday of race season. We thought it only appropriate to do this as a family - one more opportunity to honor this husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend that we already miss so incredibly much.
We will have at least one more blog entry in the coming days just to wrap things up. We thank you for taking the time each day or week to read the latest news on Larry's situation. We have received so many kind and encouraging words, lit candles, prayers and comments from so many people that it has made this long and difficult journey a little easier to bear. We thank you for being in Larry's life - not only while he was sick, but even before. Should we never have a chance to meet and thank you personnally, please know we are a stronger family becasue of your love for Larry. And Sherry sleeps a little easier at night knowing her mate of 47 years is in the arms of his Savior and probably redoing the plumbing on his heavenly mansion.
Peace...
So it was no surprise that the Memorial Service that took place yesterday (Saturday April 17th) was pretty much one that Larry would have been pleased with.
Family and many friends gathered at 1:00 at Evergreen Community Church, in Oregon City. A small church in the country that was once where Sherry's family attended. It was held there since the church Larry and Sherry attend (Mt. View Baptist Temple) doubles as a Seventh Day Adventist church. We didn't feel we could kick the SDA's out on a Saturday!
The church was adorned with mementos and remembrances of Larry. Photos of beautiful flowers, mountains, waterfalls and spiders, picture frames that held photos of his dear Sherry, the dogs, the grand kids. A black and white photo of he and his 4 brothers in there younger days. There was NASCAR things and, of course, military medals and "Old Glory" that Sherry was presented with at Friday's graveside ceremony. There was also a sketch of Larry that was actually carved into a small white paper sack. Light from a candle inside the flame-proof sack glowed through the carving. Amazing artwork done by a friend of Sherry's sister, Cathy. This sack will be placed around a track one evening in a few weeks at a Relay For Life with hundreds of others - memorializing victims of this terrible disease.
As you entered the sanctuary you saw the simplicity of this church - complete with pews and a big cross. Up front on the communion table were two photos of Larry alongside a beautiful floral arrangement sent to Sherry by the Cameron nieces and nephews, and a large table top atrium with beautiful plants sent to Sherry by Larry's surviving brothers in Michigan. Larry told his brothers that when he passed away they were not to go through the fuss of trying to get out to Oregon for the services. He would prefer they gather at a local bar and have a beer and and share memories and just be together.
The service started at 1:00. All of the family entered from the side and took our place in the first three rows. Grandpa would have gotten a kick out of Melody, Greg and all the grand kids trying to squeeze into the first pew!! It was pretty comical. The eventually all got settled. I could hear snickers and giggles from them. Grandpa would have laughed right along with them. We were all welcomed by Larry's Pastor, Gil Hanson Jr and he read the 23rd Psalm and then prayed.
Sherry selected some of Larry's favorite hymns for the congregation to sing together. I was honored to lead the singing portion of the service. We sang "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" - an upbeat hymn about the believers entrance into heaven at the end of life.
Larry's sister-in-law, Cathy, then gave a testimony. She shared several stories of her life with Larry. The mischievousness, pranks and games Larry played on her from the time she was very young until recent months. She talked about how precious Larry was to her and how she will always look at Larry as a "brother".
After another hymn, Ivory Palaces, one of Larry's contractor friends spoke. The McBee family has known and worked with Larry for years. One of the sons, Steve, shared about the high respect he and his family had for Larry. He talked about how Larry was so very honorable in how he conducted business. Steve talked about when times were tough Larry and the McBee's would look out for each other and give each other jobs. That was Larry - a very respected businessman - not only from fellow contractors - but clients alike.
We then sang "The Old Rugged Cross" - a song about the cross where Jesus died, for Larry, for you and for me. It was obviously a favorite of the congregation just based on how loud they sang it!
The next testimony was from a long time family friend, Caroline Cantrell. Caroline and her husband Jim met Larry and Sherry some 30 years ago. They met when attending a support group for parents of children struggling with the law. Caroline told us how they really didn't learn much from the counselor (young, single, no kids telling them how to raise theirs), but they had so much to talk about and learn from each other when they would go out for a drink after the meeting. From that a very strong bond was formed. She shared a few stories and talked about some of the political "discussions" they would have with Larry. Caroline talked about the love Larry had for Sherry, his love for flowers, how Larry was a "giver". She talked about how she knew of Larry's faith because he lived it. Jim and Caroline each had the opportunity to speak with Larry last Friday night before he passed away. By the way, the two sons have made huge strides in turning their lives around due, much in part, to the unconditional love of their parents.
The hymns "God Will Take Care of You" and "It Is No Secret" were sung. Again, two of Larry's favorites.
Pastor Gil Hansen Sr. then spoke and shared from Gods Word. He talked about salvation - something that Larry wanted and wants for all of his family and friends. He talked about the cross. He talked about heaven and how Larry is now in the presence of the Lord - not suffering, not hurting. He challenged all of us to carry on Larry's legacy by reaching out to Sherry and helping her - particularly in the next few months as she transitions to being without Larry. Pastor closed with prayer.
So there it was, a service that was in a church, we sang hymns, there was a big cross, the Pastor preached the Word, there were testimonies and pews, and his family was present. And it was all topped off with refreshments!
After the service everyone gathered downstairs to enjoy refreshments provided by Charlene and her extended family, and church family. The reception went on for quite some time as old friends got reacquainted, family that hadn't seen each other for years getting caught up on the latest. It was a great end to an emotional service.
We are so grateful for all of those that attended as well as the countless number of you who were not able to attend but held us in your thoughts and prayers.
The plan for Sunday is to gather one more time before we all get back to life and move forward. We are getting together at Sherry's to watch a NASCAR race!! That is what Larry did every Sunday of race season. We thought it only appropriate to do this as a family - one more opportunity to honor this husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend that we already miss so incredibly much.
We will have at least one more blog entry in the coming days just to wrap things up. We thank you for taking the time each day or week to read the latest news on Larry's situation. We have received so many kind and encouraging words, lit candles, prayers and comments from so many people that it has made this long and difficult journey a little easier to bear. We thank you for being in Larry's life - not only while he was sick, but even before. Should we never have a chance to meet and thank you personnally, please know we are a stronger family becasue of your love for Larry. And Sherry sleeps a little easier at night knowing her mate of 47 years is in the arms of his Savior and probably redoing the plumbing on his heavenly mansion.
Peace...
Friday, April 16, 2010
Of Faith, Freedom and Family
Today, Larry James Cameron was buried with military honors at Willamette National Cemetery, in Portland Oregon. It was a beautiful day today. Granddaughter Kaity would call it a "grandpa day", since it was clear, sunny, but a little cool. Most likely the perfect climate for his photography hobby!
The morning started pretty typical. Everyone a little hurried, a few errends needing to be run - like taking Taz to the groomer, a quick stop for an Egg McMuffin at McDonalds, stopping to buy a blow dryer and making a quick trip to downtown to pick up a granddaughter at Portland State. Sherry, Greg and I went to the funeral home to pick up the remains. Eventually we made our way to the cemetery and we all seemed pretty strong. Greg and I delivered the remains, a flag and a document to the main office. Waiting in our cars, I think it started to sink in why we were there. As we wound our way through the cemetery, following "Wayne" the WNC Coordinator, it was not until we turned a corner and could see off in the distance several military men in full uniform standing ready to greet us. As if we were royalty, they stood still and quiet, saluting this family of one of their former servicemen until we all took our place in the staging area. Sherry, Melody and Greg and the grandhildren sat in the clean white chairs, the rest of us gathered behind.
The honor guard gave the gun salute, followed by "Taps" played with perfection by a young military soldier on trumpet. We then viewed the emotional and intense presentation of "Old Glory". My eyes fought back tears as three finely dressed young soldiers took the flag from the table, opened it, and refolded it with intention and purpose. With perfect coreography, the folded flag was handed to Sherry. There was not a dry eye in the place (okay - maybe one from the granddaughter that doesn't cry when she is sad, but giggles!). After the flag was presented, Sherry was handed three of the shell casings from the gun salute - one representing the service to his Lord, the second service to his country, and the third the service to his family. Sherry will cherish those momentos for the rest of her days. Pastor (Commander) Gil Hansen, Sr., closed the ceremony with scripture and prayer. The family and few close friends in attendance then mingled for awhile - reminiscing, wiping tears, shooting photos, and planning where to go for lunch!
The military men and women and the professionals at Willamette National Cemetery, were phenominal and take the utmost care of the grounds. It is a breathtaking place. You'd expect that since they do these ceremonies hundreds of times a year. But somehow today seemed extra special...just for us.
The rest of the day was spent just hanging out as families do at times like this. Looking at old photos, hearing & telling stories, taking quick cat naps and trying to prepare ourselves for Saturdays service. It will be a hard day for sure, but we are grateful that Larry lived the kind of life that makes it pretty easy to celebrate. In the next day or two we will go and place flowers at the grave, a visit I am sure we will makeoften for years to come.
Rest well, Larry, rest well...
The morning started pretty typical. Everyone a little hurried, a few errends needing to be run - like taking Taz to the groomer, a quick stop for an Egg McMuffin at McDonalds, stopping to buy a blow dryer and making a quick trip to downtown to pick up a granddaughter at Portland State. Sherry, Greg and I went to the funeral home to pick up the remains. Eventually we made our way to the cemetery and we all seemed pretty strong. Greg and I delivered the remains, a flag and a document to the main office. Waiting in our cars, I think it started to sink in why we were there. As we wound our way through the cemetery, following "Wayne" the WNC Coordinator, it was not until we turned a corner and could see off in the distance several military men in full uniform standing ready to greet us. As if we were royalty, they stood still and quiet, saluting this family of one of their former servicemen until we all took our place in the staging area. Sherry, Melody and Greg and the grandhildren sat in the clean white chairs, the rest of us gathered behind.
The honor guard gave the gun salute, followed by "Taps" played with perfection by a young military soldier on trumpet. We then viewed the emotional and intense presentation of "Old Glory". My eyes fought back tears as three finely dressed young soldiers took the flag from the table, opened it, and refolded it with intention and purpose. With perfect coreography, the folded flag was handed to Sherry. There was not a dry eye in the place (okay - maybe one from the granddaughter that doesn't cry when she is sad, but giggles!). After the flag was presented, Sherry was handed three of the shell casings from the gun salute - one representing the service to his Lord, the second service to his country, and the third the service to his family. Sherry will cherish those momentos for the rest of her days. Pastor (Commander) Gil Hansen, Sr., closed the ceremony with scripture and prayer. The family and few close friends in attendance then mingled for awhile - reminiscing, wiping tears, shooting photos, and planning where to go for lunch!
The military men and women and the professionals at Willamette National Cemetery, were phenominal and take the utmost care of the grounds. It is a breathtaking place. You'd expect that since they do these ceremonies hundreds of times a year. But somehow today seemed extra special...just for us.
The rest of the day was spent just hanging out as families do at times like this. Looking at old photos, hearing & telling stories, taking quick cat naps and trying to prepare ourselves for Saturdays service. It will be a hard day for sure, but we are grateful that Larry lived the kind of life that makes it pretty easy to celebrate. In the next day or two we will go and place flowers at the grave, a visit I am sure we will makeoften for years to come.
Rest well, Larry, rest well...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Service Time...
Sorry folks - I left the time off the last post.
The service for Larry is at 1:00 pm Saturday, April 17th at:
Evergreen Community Church
16940 South Beckman Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 720-0325
We look forward to celebrating Larry's life with many of you.
The service for Larry is at 1:00 pm Saturday, April 17th at:
Evergreen Community Church
16940 South Beckman Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 720-0325
We look forward to celebrating Larry's life with many of you.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Service Planned
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Larry James Cameron is scheduled for Saturday, April 17th, 2010 at:
Evergreen Community Church
16940 South Beckman Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 720-0325
The family is putting together a memory book for Sherry. If you have a memory about Larry that you would like to share, we would love for you to email it to Sherry so that we can include it in the book. Larry had such an impact on all of us - it will fun to read your stories - the serious ones and the funny ones. Sherry's email address is: sherryjoanne@comcast.net.
Evergreen Community Church
16940 South Beckman Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 720-0325
The family is putting together a memory book for Sherry. If you have a memory about Larry that you would like to share, we would love for you to email it to Sherry so that we can include it in the book. Larry had such an impact on all of us - it will fun to read your stories - the serious ones and the funny ones. Sherry's email address is: sherryjoanne@comcast.net.
Sherry continues to remain strong. She met with the funeral home today to get those details figured out. Cathy and Charlene went with her - she was grateful for that. Most of the details are dialed in, although some information regarding his military service is being gathered to finalize where he will be buried.
More than anything, Sherry wants and needs your prayers, love and support. She was overwhelmed with the many calls of love and support she got today. Thank you for checking in on her.
Peace...
Steve (for the family)
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