This was created Aug. 7 by Marion. She met Regina, the lady who works at the front desk at PPL (Project for Pride and Living) and they “connected.” While Marion was waiting for me to finish a meeting with Rola and Jim, she started working on this drawing for Regina. I delivered it today.
As Mother’s day approaches, I have special remembrances of Regina. One in particular keeps coming to mind. On Wednesday, September 26th of 2012, Jodanne, Moira, and Aimee showed up at our home in Minnetonka for lunch. They said “Mom, we are going to shampoo the rug this afternoon. You have been telling Dad that you want the rug shampooed before winter. We are going to do it today.” The 4 of them spent their afternoon together. Three most significant women in my life, Mom and 3 daughters. I chose not to stick around for the afternoon so they could enjoy the time together. It was that afternoon that this last picture was taken of Regina with Moira.
I don’t know what all happened that afternoon. I know that the next day she was very grateful for their time together.
It was that evening of the “shampooing” that she had a stroke that led to her being hospitalized. She passed away just 4 days later, Sunday, September 30, 2012, carrying with her the memory of her last day at home with her loved daughters.
How blessed I am knowing that her last day at home was perfect. I couldn’t have created it any better. Regina, I love you, William.
I created a slide show for Regina’s memorial. I used Louis Armstrong’s song as inspiration. Also, Aimee Bryant led the singing of this song during the memorial gathering.
About a week ago I received a Facebook entry from granddaughter Jordan about an English assignment.
“I got a 97 on my last English paper about how What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong relates to my life. I love you, Grandma and Grandpa!! :)”
Jordan’s message is the immediate inspiration for me creating this blog entry entry with the slideshow embedded. I love you Jordan.
We had many memorable times together over the last two days in Sturgeon Bay. Lots of visiting with the Schmidt family. Stories, laughter, encouragement, and good food.
Friday night fish fry at Salem Lutheran Church, Dianne’s church. Then a tour of Palmer Johnson boat works for Evan, Steve, Richard, and Bill with tour guide Joe.
Saturday morning we went to Hornspier beach to place Regina’s ashes there at one of her favorite places ever. It snowed overnight and the sun was out and everything was bright and fresh looking. Her ashes are now near the beach in the bushes immediately to Aimee’s left in the picture below. Then in the afternoon we returned to Salem Church hall for visiting with family, brothers and sisters and cousins. That evening Dianne and Bob invited me, Joanne, Ron and Mary, and Joe and Mary for dinner and the evening. After dinner we sat around the table and shared stories and laughed until our face muscles hurt.
Sunday morning breakfast at Dianne and Bob’s and then drove home.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this a memorable weekend. Special thanks to those who so generously hosted us and brought food for the memorial gathering.
I have added some information to Regina’s website. Especially, a page with recordings from her Minnesota memorial service. http://www.akaregina.com/?page_id=90
Love and blessings,
Bill
Jodanne, Moira, Bill, and Aimee with Regina’s ashes in the Japanese urn. Now her ashes are in the bushes to the right.
Evan and Bill on the “beach.”
Regina at her favorite beach.
A couple years ago I, William, created this blog as a place for Regina to “post” her thoughts, dreams, journey, journal. Somehow that never did manifest from her. Regina was much more about living her life in other ways that blessed all of us. So, with her leaving behind her physical presence with us, I will make an attempt at sharing some of her with you.
This first image is of Regina and me taken by a good, close friend, Kimball Service. The picture captures many qualities of her spirit. This gives you an idea of how I choose to remember Regina.
This second image is a scanned image of a gift from Kate Olson, a craft, creative friend. For a long time this has been my mantra when someone would ask “how’s Regina,” or “what can we do for Regina?” And it is still my mantra. Now I include myself and those of us who are especially close to Regina. Love Regina, and love us.
This third image is Regina’s obituary as it appeared in the Star Tribune here in Minneapolis, today.
You can leave comments here and/or at this link to the Star Tribune online.
Regina created photo albums for all 3 daughters. Moira received hers for Christmas. The other two got theirs last night at a wonderful dinner at Ruby Tuesdays in Eden Prairie. It was enjoyable to watch the two of them go through their photos and point with delight. Memories of childhood, growing up times, readily came forward.
The very essence of each of their names is Loved One. Yes, they are loved.
