Spreading of Ashes

Saying goodbye to a loved one can be difficult, especially when they hold a very special place in our heart. When that loved one dies, a piece of our self dies as well. But we have to remember that life happens as it was meant to be. God has a purpose for us all! Whether we're walking on Earth and leaving footprints in the sand or we're flying up above looking down and watching over everyone else, we're where we are for a reason.

Recently my family had to say goodbye to a very special woman....my grandmother, Ilse. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gunter. They are survived by their 3 children (and their spouses), 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Their children all gathered this past week to celebrate their lives and spread their ashes. Their souls will now swim together! Their ashes were spread at the joining of Gooseberry River and Lake Superior. They will swim through the lakes, visit Madeline Island and someday reach the Atlantic Ocean. They immigrated to Canada & the United States from Germany, so it is only fitting they swim the waters they once traveled together long ago!

If you would like to see more footage from the ash spreading ceremony, please watch this 7 minute video below. The first song was one that Ilse had loved and found fitting for when this time came and the other song was one that the two of them had loved to dance together to long ago.   xoxoxo

I couldn't be more honored to have had the chance to capture these special moments to share with the rest of the family & their friends. Please watch and celebrate their lives with us! Remember the good times and silly stories. Cherish the heartwarming moments you had with them. And hold no grudges on any negative times.

When you see a cardinal flying around you, know it's them just checking in and saying "hello"!