A lot of people worked very hard to arrange the Memorial last night. Tracie Storie got a slide show/PowerPoint of photos of Jim, Lynn Beaver set up all the music. Mary Ellen got the space, and she and B J Machalicek organized it, printed a program, provided a guest book and a collage. Jerry Ann Robinson opened and closed with a prayer, and her husband, Phil, told some wonderful Jim stories and gave the speech Jim Grisham wrote. Lynn also told Sam Bass Theater stories and read a letter from Emily White, and Betty Ashton covered Jim's college years and a piece written by Sean Arnold. Tara Bonds read Devon's post and told stories. Bob Borenstein spoke of Jim at Cedar Valley, as did Chris Baker. Chris made a wonderful Memory Book with pictures of Jim and his kids and copies of what they said in the notes. Dan Sullivan, theater teacher at Chisholm Trail Middle School reminded us that Jim had built his light boards, so every time he brings lights up on his students, it's thanks to Jim Prior. Dan also sang. I will have to get a tape of that song...it was lovely. Rob Morris read Brandon's letter and gave us a picture of Jim from the perspective of a student.
And there are no words to thank all the people who came and were there with me, both in the theater and on the Internet.
Thank you!
I'm so glad you had so much help and loving support, Ronni. Although both of my parents had detailed wills, they didn't say anything about what they wanted as far as a funeral or memorial and it was all up to me. I am afraid I didn't do such a great job with either. Adequate, but not great or fitting.
ReplyDeleteHad either been great, my mom would have had a 16 gun salute and a choir and my dad would have been dumped in an unmarked grave with only his poker buddies in attendance for the free drinks afterward.
I felt very alone then.
So many people went to such great lengths for Jim. Every picture tells a story.
ReplyDeleteNow, I hope you can find some time to just, breathe.