Last week our birthdays came around - mine on the 3rd and Derek's on the 5th. With Jamie and Kendall here to spend them with us, we got through them just fine. The anticipation of emotional challenges gave way to a more joyful anticipation as we busied ourselves preparing for the Derek Petersen Memorial BBQ - thanks to a wonderful idea from his big sister. We looked forward to gathering with his friends to have fun and share memories - and, that we did!
The beautiful setting - thanks to dear friends, the Smiths (flashback to the Jamie & Chris wedding reception!) - and lovely weather couldn't have been more perfect.
Door prizes had a theme: Derek's Favorites - and that is no small list! From board games to U2 CDs to Chipotle gift cards to the Grand Prize SFGiants game tickets, lots of lucky winners walked away with a "birthday gift." In addition, a generous $1300+ was raised for Children's Tumor Foundation: "Ending Neurofibroma- tosis Through Research."
After we released 32 balloons into the sky, the evening came to a close with a prayer. The outpouring of love and support made it a heartwarming time of remembrance. I can't think of a better tribute to Derek's life than to celebrate what he valued so much - friendship, helping others, and good fun! A special thank you to Jamie (check out her Aug. 8 slideshow post!), to all who helped us out, and to everyone who joined us, whether in person or in spirit, for making this birthday one of abundant blessings.
The beautiful setting - thanks to dear friends, the Smiths (flashback to the Jamie & Chris wedding reception!) - and lovely weather couldn't have been more perfect.
Door prizes had a theme: Derek's Favorites - and that is no small list! From board games to U2 CDs to Chipotle gift cards to the Grand Prize SFGiants game tickets, lots of lucky winners walked away with a "birthday gift." In addition, a generous $1300+ was raised for Children's Tumor Foundation: "Ending Neurofibroma- tosis Through Research."
After we released 32 balloons into the sky, the evening came to a close with a prayer. The outpouring of love and support made it a heartwarming time of remembrance. I can't think of a better tribute to Derek's life than to celebrate what he valued so much - friendship, helping others, and good fun! A special thank you to Jamie (check out her Aug. 8 slideshow post!), to all who helped us out, and to everyone who joined us, whether in person or in spirit, for making this birthday one of abundant blessings.
And I haven't even mentioned my own very surprising birthday blessing! I'll have to save that for another post. :)
2 comments:
It looked and sounded like a wonderful birthday celebration! I thought about all of you all that day.
Thanks, Marcia. We really appreciated all of the kind and uplifting thoughts coming our way on Aug. 5 as we celebrated Derek. :)
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