Hi readers, it’s Kerry, Emily and William here, remembering our lovely
friend Katie. Last week we went to Katie’s service of remembrance and
wanted to tell you how special it was.
The service was held at Higher Ground Meadow, a natural burial ground
in Dorset. What a beautiful location it was, with rolling hills and natural
meadow hayfields. Not a harsh gravestone in sight, just buzzing bees,
hedgerows alive with birds, buzzards circling overhead and colourful
wildflowers.
We, Emily and William, went with Laura, and arrived in good time,
while I Kerry, went with my support worker Louise. We were warmly
welcomed by Ann (Katie’s amazing Mum) and her sister Claire, who’d
come over from America. We liked talking with them. They are
incredible, wanting to make sure everyone else was ok, on what had to
be the saddest day ever for them.
As we knew, Katie deeply touched many lives, just because she was
such a vibrant and wonderful person. This was clear as we watched
people, from all walks of life, come into the lovely barn. People from her
day service, the Freedom Boat, Dorchester Baptist Church, craft groups,
People First Dorset and many other places too.
It was a perfect service, with contributions from friends and family,
including us. Even some impromptu singing, led by Emily B (who’s been
running our People First Dorset choir). We sang the first part of ‘With a
Little Help from My Friends’, a favourite song of Katie’s, who enjoyed
the choir.
After the service, we blew bubbles outside, signed Katie’s memory
book, chatted with people, and looked at things important to Katie on
the remembrance table for her. It felt truly friendly, warm and exactly
what Katie would have wanted and loved.
We miss you Katie. Good night and sleep tight.
The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First
Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from
staff.
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