Just three months ago in my blog, I shared my memories of my cruise in the Mediterranean last spring with my sister-in-law, Barb. Less than two weeks before I wrote that piece, Barb had been diagnosed with lung cancer which had rapidly spread throughout her body; and the day after the blog was published, Barbara Ann passed away. She was the first in our family of my generation (siblings, cousins and spouses) to die, and I know I am not alone among us in still processing that fact and coming to terms with the idea that I will not be sharing another wonderful trip or girls’ weekend with her. Barb was warm, generous, kind-hearted and full of fun in life, and her husband Glenn wanted to be sure that any sort of memorial service for her reflected her spirit. Neither of them liked traditional funerals, so my brother knew what Barb’s service should NOT be like. He waited until the initial shock at her passing had passed and the calendar was more amenable to travel. He then sent out a notice that on July 10 there would be a gathering in a park near their home. He recalled how much Barb, a Southern California native, had loved the crowds of evergreens on the hills of her adopted home in the Pacific Northwest. He asked that those who were able plant a tree in Barb’s memory and attend the gathering if they could. Yesterday a whole bunch of Barb’s loved ones — family and friends going back to her childhood and from near and far — gathered at that park and shared memories and stories of her. There was no speech-giving or song-singing, and prayers were of the silent kind between each individual and his God. Instead, it was so like Barbara’s favorite kind of get-together, where everyone mingled and caught up with everyone else while the kids played on the swings and jungle gym. Cousins who hadn’t seen each other in a dozen years or more hugged and exclaimed over how big the children had grown and how good it was to reconnect again. Far from being a solemn occasion, this one boasted much laughter; and off to one side was a large bulletin board on which Glenn posted pictures of some of the trees planted for Barb along with pictures of her from throughout her life (including several from that cruise we shared the year before) and those dearest to her — particularly grandson Gavin. Later, a smaller group of us gathered at my brother’s home and shared more time together while we sipped  Barb’s favorite libation, lemon drops. As the day drew to a close, each of us prepared to head for home or overnight accomodations. Hugs were exchanged and plans made to see each other again soon, call or write. Glenn seemed so pleased that the day had been everything he had hoped it would be and none of what neither he nor Barb didn’t want. It was, just like our dear one, full of life, love and laughter, and a true celebration of her spirit that all of us continue to carry with us. — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor