Saturday morning, my daughter scooped out the insides of ten pineapples while I arranged flowers: red roses, fern, filler, purple statice, yellow mums, red carnations, and various varieties of daisies, including bright orange Gerber daisies. Orange is the color designated for Leukemia.
Part 6 of 7… My Summer Vacation
Saturday brought a flurry of activity, getting dressed, transporting ten pineapple bouquets, and making sure everything was arranged at the Fort George Tap Room for the Celebration.
Why pineapples? Good question. Years ago, during a Dole pineapple advertisement in which the couple debated on who would get what part, Michael turned to my daughter and quipped, “If it were mine, I’d give you the whole pineapple.” From that moment on, pineapples came to be a symbol of love, just as in the past the pineapple has been the symbol of welcome.
How does one capture a kaleidoscope of memories and stories that tell a life? Friends from all over the country were gathered. One flew in from Bangladesh. Another rode with his wife on a three-wheeler motorcycle from Florida to the Oregon Coast. Chicago. All points East and South. Well over one hundred came to visit, celebrate, and share love and remembrance of a life well lived.
Whereas I had only known this son-in-law as one who could suck all the air out of a room just by entering, a new Michael emerged. Besides being a football player and larger-than-life, I listened to story after story of previously hidden kindnesses, giving a hand-out and a hand-up, helping someone on their life’s journey, and serving behind the scenes. Hard work, humor, and not just a few well-intentioned jabs brought tears, only to be supplanted by laughter until the tears flowed again
One last tribute was given. I can only paraphrase…
“We all talk of generosity, character, and a giving heart but let us not forget what Michael has given to each of us. To his wife, an undying love. To his children, a protector. To each of us, a memory that will stay with us forever. Thank you, Michael.”
Was a great celebration of his life, I too loved hearing the stories from his friends. He touched a lot of lives while on earth and was a huge influence in our family for sure! He will always be in my heart and thoughts the rest of my life! Love reading your blog!