More Gifts from Annie

Yesterday was Annie’s service. It rained most of yesterday and during the service. Mary said that her Mother believed that when it rains at a funeral that it is “tears from heaven.” It definitely felt that way. I came early to get a spot and it was a good thing that I did. The place was packed! It was standing room only. Another testament to what an amazing woman Annie was.

The service was lovely. There were cut flowers from Annie’s garden. Ozzie’s parents from Istanbul both spoke while Ozzie translated. Even though Ozzie’s mother was speaking in her native tongue you could hear the anguish in her voice. Annie’s amazing 10-year old daughter spoke ”If you see me walking around and wondering why I’m not crying, it’s because she will always be with me, and she’s not gone, her love is in everyone of you.” I definitely see a potential Smithie in Zeytin!

The service ended with a recording of Annie singing a song she entitled “Sweet Dreams for Ozzie” which can be found out on YouTube. Once she finished singing there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

I experienced Annie’s presence in several ways yesterday. It all started in the morning. I decided to go to the Dog Park with Mary and our three dogs. I haven’t been to the park in well over a year due to health issues. I almost bowed out right before leaving but something told me to go. While we were there Mary and I met a lovely woman and her dog. This happens a lot at the park complete strangers will stop and chat. We had a lovely conversation and I was sad to see her go because there was something there and I knew I would never run into that woman again.

Wrong. Who do I see sitting two rows in front of me? Yes, it was her! After the service I went up to her and she was surprised to see me. I asked her how she knew Annie. She said they had worked together at Smith. I said I work there too! We then introduced ourselves and had a lovely chat. I hope I made a new friend yesterday and if I did - I have Annie to thank.

During the service someone mentioned that Annie loved getting coffee from Woodstar. Woodstar is a lovely coffee and bakery shop here in downtown Northampton. For me it is the only coffee shop in town where I can thoroughly enjoy a cup of good coffee. After the service I called Mary and said, “Meet me at Woodstar.” I explained I wanted to celebrate Annie’s life by toasting her even if it was with a large single-shot decaf latte! We clanked our cups and looked up into the heavens and wished her well.

We were sitting there and I was telling Mary all about the service. She stopped me and pointed to a figure behind me. It was Ozzie! He too came in Annie’s memory. We both hugged him. He thanked me for coming to the service. And, I mentioned that I had written a story called “Good-bye Annie” in my blog. Annie definitely had her hand in giving me more gifts to remember her by yesterday.

Thank you, Annie.