Last Sunday was a blessed day. The extended family gathered together to celebrate Sierra, my oldest grandaughter's, First Holy Communion at St. John Newumann's Church. As Sierra prepared for this spiritual event, the family gathered together. Only one person was missing. It was my husband who passed away a month earlier. With love in my heart, I found a way to have Richard present at both the Church ceremony and the after Mass celebration. Sounds impossible? Read on!
The banner that you see below was originally created by my mother for my granddaughter. I wanted to include my husband, Richard, into the artistic piece that was placed at the end of each reserved family pew. Under the section with Sierra's name, I added a piece of Richard's purple tie. Since Sierra loves the color purple it was a perfect fit. You can also see the edge of another purple border at the bottom. I felt Richard's presence with the family on Sierra's First Communion day. He was with us in spirit and within the banner.
for my First Holy Communion
a handcrafted banner was embellished
using one of Grandpa's beautiful ties
Grandma placed it at the edge of the pew
as a reminder that Grandpa was still with us
a gift filled with blessings
©CVarsalona, 2025, cherita poem
Easter lilies adorn the sacred space
the first communicant does smile
while posing with angelic grace
Easter lilies adorn the sacred space
dressed in tulled-white the child does embrace
a flower bouquet with tussy-mussy style
Easter lilies adorn the sacred space
the first communicant does smile
©CVarsalona, 2025, triolet poem draft
The above triolet poem is the 1st one I have penned.
You can read more about this poetic format here.
Time together as a family is a gift. -Joanna Gaines
Although it is late for me to submit my Poetry Friday post,
I have thought all week about memorializing Sierra's special day
while remembering my husband.
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Thank you Sarah Grace Tuttle for hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup. She is smiling as she combats darkness by reveling in community and this is wonderful.
Tonight is Family Night so I will check in with Poetry Friday writer when I come home.
What a beautiful day for Sierra and the whole family, Carol. What a touching way to include Richard in the day. xo
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful day - the weather was perfect and the First Communion during Sunday Mass was a special ceremony. I felt a spirit of loving from everyone that day.
DeleteI love how you find and bring meaning to the ordinary and the special. Sierra is a fortunate granddaughter. And, how lovely for you to feel Richard's presence on that special day. Well done, well done.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for your thoughts. The day will become a fond memory for all of the family.
DeleteSuch beauty and tenderness in this post, Carol. Thank you for sharing your family with us. A beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteRose, I could not have asked for a better day filled with joy. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI love that you included your husband in such a creative way! I have no doubt he was present and celebrating with you all. Both of your poems are beautiful tributes to the people you love. Thank you for sharing, and happy Poetry Friday.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am so glad that I was able to share this glorious event with my Poetry Friday family and you our host.
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea to use one of Richard's ties for the banner. My sister made a quilt for my mother out of my father's shirts. It went missing for a bit in the memory care, but we have found it and it is back with Mom. I like to think she finds comfort in his heavenly presence. Congratulations to Sierra on her first communion.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, my daughter thought of adding one of her Dad's piece of clothing to the banner. She also took a shirt to have a pillow made as a remembrance. I am glad that your Mom has a heavenly reminder of love. Thank you for sharing your family's gift to your Mom.
DeleteWhat a glorious and loving way to weave together the past, the present moment, and Sierra's future.
ReplyDeleteI hope that Sierra will cherish her crown, banner, and tussy mussy. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Mary Lee.
DeleteSo much love is woven into your gorgeous tapestry of poems that you penned honoring Sierra and remembering Richard, thanks for sharing these special poems and memories Carol!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, family is so important to me and poetry lifts me up during this period. Thank you for joining me here.
DeleteHow special to be able to create something with such special memories worked right into the very fabric. I remember my own First Communion, though it was a long time ago now, and how proud I felt with all my family there to celebrate with me. These are such precious moments. <3
ReplyDeleteJane, I gave my granddaughter my First Communion prayer book as a keepsake. Thank you for sharing your own First Communion.
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