Mon Jul 9, 2007 1:55 pm
Dear family:
As you know, the memorial service for Kyle took place yesterday. It was a
beautiful tribute on a beautiful Sunday, and filled with sadness and joy,
tears and smiles. Yet, today seems to be the more heart wrenching for me.
The adrenaline that sustained me, Joe, Alice and Mom the past two weeks as
we prepared through long nights for the special event is long vanished,
carried away by the white dove along with our last farewell to her. I am
left drained and alone, empty saved for the broken slide show of life with
Kyle playing in my head, and the panging in my heart...
Only the music of Eva Cassidy and Israel (Iz) Kamakawiwo'ole singing
"Somewhere over the Rainbow," as if only for me, salve for the dull ache
where out little angel left us. The two distinctively styled performances
accented the memorial. Unknown to me only weeks ago I have since learned
that they both died young as well; but the music lives on, now and forever
bringing tearful comfort and Kyle's laughter with each heartfelt note and
word.
"The Rose" was also sang by all at the service as it was a favorite of
Kyle's. She practiced hard and performed at a music class she took in
college. Nina Perez, Alice's close high school friend, and a classically
trained singer performed the beautiful "Pie Jesu" by Andrew Lloyd Webber --
another piece of kyle's favor found in the collection. Nina's voice soared
above the entire valley below as it stirred our hearts.
Kyle's resting place is nestled on the top of Rose Hills overlooking west
and the entire valley that, on a clear day, reaches all the way to the
Pacific Ocean. It is within a short walk from Dad's place, which can be seen
to the left with Skyrose Chapel as the magnificent backdrop. The service
took place in front of a gurgling fountain/waterfall. Colorful floral
arrangements with tropical accents lined the fountain, and a special
heart-shaped wreath made of red roses and carnation was place above her
niche wall framed by white canvas screens behind. (The occasional wind gust
wreaked havoc and blew them down several times, but was finally tamed with
the help of Henry, Jeremiah and Tammy and a generous helping of duct tape!)
Clear bowls of seashells and candles lined the steps leading up to Kyle's
niche.
After the never-perfect effort to set the scene as captivating and serene as
possible, the small gathering of 17 family and guests assembled in front of
the picture frame of a happy and smiling Kyle taken at Joe's wedding. I said
a few words of welcome, then invited Uncle Daniel up to open with a prayer.
I then recited Psalms 55: 6 & 8, "I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a
dove! I would fly away and be at rest-," "I would hurry to my place of
shelter, far from the tempest and storm." Next I read an allegorical story
about Kyle: "A Rose and a Dove"
"The Rose" was then performed, followed by some words of remembrance from
Alice, Julie and Joe. Julie is one of Kyle's close friends from High School.
There wasn't a dry eye as each recount of life and experience with her was
filled with emotion and tenderness. among the free flow of tears a few
chuckles were elicited by humorous accounts of Kyle as she had a sunny
disposition among friends and family. Of course, there was also a darker
private side to her that I wish so much to have taken the time to know and
share; but such is the folly of human optimism that there is always more
time...
Preceding Aunt Su's lovely blessing was Nina's haunting rendition of "Pie
Jesu." Finally, Mom lead the procession from the fountain area up to Kyle's
niche, carrying the guardian angels; I followed with Kyle's urn, Joe with
her photo and Alice the heart-shaped white basket of the dove. Eva Cassidy's
melancholy "Somewhere over the rainbow" played softly. Charlene put white
dedication roses in a traditional basket held by little Camille, who passed
one to each family and guest. Finally, Alice recited "A Child of Mine," a
poem about how God lends us a child to keep and care for, but may call her
home at any time. Mom then released the dove; it circled the sky above a few
times before disappearing over the hills as Iz's happier version of
"Rainbow" accompanied our farewell to Kyle.
Everyone walked to Dad's resting place for a brief prayer and tribute, then
headed to Yuki Sushi to partake in Kyle's favorite food! In the two tatami
rooms (older and younger, as usual!) Joe played the photo slide show he and
Alice put together chronicling our little sister's forty brief years on her
earthly home.
On behalf of our family, I would like to thank those who were able to join
us in this celebration of life, and those whose thoughts were with us. I
know we all did Kyle proud as she is deserving of the loveliest tribute we
can give her. Also, special thanks to Ken and Tammy for taking videos and
photos, and Nina Perez for her performance. We are all very grateful that
you took the time and effort to make us feel warmth in these cold, cold
days.
With deep appreciation,
Jim (Joe, Alice and Mom)
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