Cale's Memorial

Jon and I went to Cale's memorial on Sunday in New Jersey.  It was such a beautiful tribute, but so incredibly sad…his wife spoke about what a wonderful life they had together, and how, even knowing what she knows now--that Cale would get cancer and be dead well before their 3 year anniversary--that she would do it 100 times over.  She said that she and Cale often talked about what a great life they had, and how they were so lucky…it is so amazing that he was able to keep such perspective while facing down a devastating illness.  And amazing that she has so much strength.  She played a movie she had made, with pictures of Cale from infancy throughout his life, and it ended with a series of pictures of Regan with Cale and Mer…what made it even more poignant was that Cale picked all of the songs and the baby/family pictures…total tearjerker.  I seriously do not understand how his mother sat and watched that and remained her composure.

After the slideshow, Cale's childhood best friends all made speeches, which were really beautiful and touching.  And then his brother spoke as well…he said that Cale told him right after Christmas, "I wasn't sure I would make it to Christmas this year, and I know I won't make it to next Christmas, but I got to watch my little boy open his Christmas presents…what is better than that? How lucky am I?".  Cue the waterworks…not a dry eye in the place.  But that is really how Cale looked at it…he was so positive, and really enjoyed every minute.  Mer said in her speech, "cancer could've killed us…but instead it made us LIVE".  Such a great message, and such inspiring people.

The memorial could've been incredibly depressing, but it was quite the opposite.  Don't get me wrong--it was one of the saddest things I have ever been to, but inevitably, we all ended up telling Cale stories and laughing about what a unique and hysterical person he was.  In his elementary school gym…at the crack of dawn…just like he'd planned.  I know he would have absolutely loved it.

Xoxoxo