Bereaved Birthdays
Author unknown

Birthdays are a time for celebration
Not a time for tears
But what happens when the birthdays
No longer mark the years

A birthday marks the moment
A spirit enters earthly life
To share its special love and joy
And learn from earthly strife

Before a spirit comes to us,
It Knows when and how it must depart
It chooses its path carefully,
We are honored from the start

The sadness we now feel on such a joyous day
Is longing for our loved one's touch
It's natural to feel this way
For even though the birthdays
No longer mark a spirit's stay
Love continues on forever
To touch us everyday

I hug my precious memories
Closest to my heart
And honor my beloved child
Who chose me from the start

Wednesday, November 3, 2004, was Taylor's birthday. She would have been eleven. 

A beautiful candlelit memorial service was held in her honor at Peninsula Memorial Park at dusk. Her family and many friends gathered  to celebrate her birthday, her memory and her contagious "light". Taylor's father, Keith, and stepmother, Paula, planned and led a wonderful service dedicated to her life and spirit. The service was opened by the lighting of a pillar candle in her memory. Keith then welcomed all of us and Imogene Fulton led us in prayer. Keith then spoke of celebrating Taylor's life. Next, Imogene delivered a very touching  message about Taylor and her influence on others, before she got sick and after. She spoke of how Taylor influenced her life and that we all have the opportunity to influence others everyday. She said that we should honor Taylor's memory and use her story to inspire others and to lead our lives purposefully so that one day we can see her again. Keith then spoke about Taylor's contagious light and how  it spread through all who knew her. Candles had  been passed out at the beginning of the service and starting with her parents, they were light from the large pillar candle and then her light was spread throughout her family and friends. The song "In Loving Memory" by Alterbridge, was played and then a beautiful poem was read. 

Her Journey's Just Begun

Don’t think of her as gone away, Her journey’s just begun. 

Her Life holds so many facets, This Earth is only one. 

Just think of her as resting, From the sorrows and the tears, 

In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days or years. 

Think how she must be wishing That we could know today, 

How nothing but our sadness, Can really pass away. 

And think of her as living In the hearts of those she touched… 

For nothing loved is ever lost, And she was loved so much!

Family and friends were then invited to share their thoughts. Many gave touching tributes and spoke of how much she is missed. Keith then spoke about her birthday and how fitting it would be to sing her "Happy Birthday". We all sang and then made a wish and blew out our candles signifying Taylor's light. Keith said although we were blowing out the candles, her light still shines on. 

Afterward we all went to Joe and Mimma's, which was one of Taylor's favorite places to go!  It was a beautiful and touching service and I would like to thank Keith and Paula for organizing it. I would also like to thank all who attended.  Your support and love has carried us through this journey and we all feel so blessed to have so many people who love and care for us and who loved and care so much about Taylor. 

God bless all of you - We love you!

amythorstad@net | Last updated on 12/13/04 |Created for Taylor 12/19/02