Celebration of Life
On Sunday, Dolores and I were in Virginia to attend a Celebration of Life event for my brother Curtis Kelley. Curtis died on July 11th. He would have been 70 on the 29th. Curtis had five children and ten grandchildren so this Celebration also served as a family gathering.
Part of the scheduled presentations was an open microphone time during which family and friends were encouraged to share memories of Curtis. Curtis owned a mortgage company but I do not think anyone commented on his business success. Family members did say they would miss birthday calls that they had received since they were kids. On July 10th, the day before he passed away, Curtis called my wife, Dolores, to wish her a happy birthday. We had a nice chat which was focused on his health and his family. He was in the hospital but we had been advised that he was doing well. We, too, will miss those birthday calls.
Grandchildren said they would miss hugs from Curtis and would miss the songs and stories that he shared with them. Several guests and family members shared experiences of Curtis helping them out of trouble and his encouragement for them to stay out of trouble.
Neighbors said they loved Curtis because he truly cared about them and was always there to lend advice or support when needed. Former business associates related how Curtis had encouraged them to greater success in their careers. A gun collector said that Curtis would be missed the regional gun and knife shows.
Much more was said and there were many tears as others shared memories. When you have this kind of experience, you wonder what people will say about yourself when you are gone.
It is worth some time to consider which of our actions this summer will create fond memories for family, friends and neighbors.
Pincushion Flower, Kentlands IMG_6016
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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