The Visitation

Despite yesterday’s events I am feeling so much better today. Because of that I decided to go with Norm to the visitation for Madeleine at the mortuary. I didn’t really know what to expect because I’ve never been to one before. Norm and I arrived early so we were able to see her alone. She looked absolutely beautiful and for a brief moment I half expected her to open her eyes and look at us. For me it was definitely a “moment of closure” experience. The room we were in at the mortuary was beautifully furnished and there were fragrant bouquets of flowers all around the room that were sent by family and friends for the occasion. Old photographs of Madeleine were displayed around the room. She was quite a beautiful lady during all of her years.

One by one family members and friends of Madeleine showed up to pay their respects. Norm’s brother Fred was there. This was the first time that I met Norm’s niece Beth and his nephew Will and Will’s wife Carrie, all of whom live in Tucson. Norm’s other niece Karen and her husband Gavin, from San Diego, were also there and it was good to see them again. Several of Madeleine’s friends from her church came, all but one of whom we had met before. Most of her friends were as old as she was and many of them have passed on before her. It was a precious time viewing Madeleine in a very peaceful setting.

Tuesday Madeleine will be flown to Denver for burial on Thursday morning. Her husband is buried there and she has a plot next to him. Norm’s brother Fred and his children will be going for the graveside service. Norm’s sister Sandra and her two children, Amy and Eric, will be there as well since they live in Denver. We are not going because of our health and the cold climate of Denver this time of year. There will be a memorial service here in Scottsdale on March 2 at St. Barnabas On the Desert Episcopal Church which she attended for probably 30 years or more. Norm and I will definitely be at that celebration of the life of his mother.