Till We Meet Again

Friday we headed out to Chicago for my Mom's celebration of life gathering.  It was what she wanted and planned for many years ago.  My sister had the instructions and funds to do this and so gather we did! I think Mom would give her seal of approval when it was all ready to go.  My sister and her kids did a fabulous job of getting everything prepared ahead of time.  When everyone was there it was all hands on deck and it turned out great. We started gathering in Friday evening as all the out-of-towners arrived.

All my boys were able to make it out and it was fun to see them having a good time with cousins and other family members and having their kids doing the same with cousins.

Something about sparklers just gets the kiddos excited.  I had brought quite a few and they had a lot of fun with them.   Pizza and salad and lots of liquid refreshment was had by all!  The next morning there was a special Catholic Mass memorial service for Mom and family and friends of hers from Church came.  It was lovely and even though most of us aren't Catholic, it was enjoyed by all.  We went back to the house where my family all pitched in and had food on the tables, ready for the celebrating.

On the deck we had tables with lots of photos and things that were all about Mom's life.

I liked these shutters that my niece Katie and my sister Midge put together with photos.

The appetizers were amazing!

My niece Athina (My brother Jim's daughter) and Amy (my sister's daughter) working in the kitchen.

The tent and tables ready to go.

The yard looked inviting and the weather had actually cooled off and was very pleasant...we had a quick rain shower just as we were getting ready to eat but it ended and the rest of the day was picture perfect and not stinkin' hot and humid!

Just a few of the desserts...the food was beyond awesome...and we had tons of it.  Hey, we're Greek and we know how to feed people! My Mom was the Queen of hospitality.  Nobody ever left her home or table hungry...whether it was food or company,  she made you welcome.  Thanks for that legacy Mommo! You would have been so proud of the kids and I think us older ones who learned from you how to celebrate life.  I know this is a long picture post but since my blog is my life journal it's my "thing" to capture the Kodak moment.  Here's to everyone who came...just a few of the faces I love:

Phil, Cameron and Jackie

 Midge and Jordan bonding!

 My niece Carly (my brother Jim's other daughter) with her daughter, Lennox.

 My brother Rick and his wife Jan

 My cousins, Michele and Steve.

Of course here's my hubby Jack..and standing is Garret, my niece Betsy's husband.

Midge had these plates made for my brothers and me.  She picked a couple of Mom's Greek cookie recipes written in Mom's handwriting and had them put on plates for us.  This is mine with my favorite Greek cookie.  It was such a thoughtful and touching thing to do.

All the flowers, decor and having family and friends there was priceless.  Mom, you are loved and missed but we will do our best to carry on the traditions, family love, and enjoying life as much as you did.  We were so lucky to have you for 94yrs.  Love you...till we meet again.