In holding to what I believe to be what Debbie would have wanted, I had her body cremated after she passed away. I know that much she wanted, and we agreed on. She had always said that she wanted her ashes scattered off the back of our motorcycle at 130 miles per hour, but I never really thought that to be reasonable, and we had never agreed on where we would be laid to rest. We just never got that far, never thought about either of us dying just yet. I know from experience that the Children's Garden at the Arboretum in Wilmington, NC, was one of Debbie's favorite places, if not her most favorite place on earth, next to being in each other's arms. So, without her input, I decided to spread her ashes in the flowerbeds around the Children's Garden. I know she is happy there, and will be even happier when my time comes to join her. My sister, Pat, my brother-in-law, Al, and my nephew, David, went with me to pay Debbie's last rites, and see her off on her journey. We love you honey. Spoken by Al Flowers at the Children's Garden as we spread Debbie's ashes. Be Free, Be Strong, Be Proud, by: Sherri Weinberg Be free, be strong, and be proud of who you have been. Know that you will be mourned and missed; that no one can replace you, that you have been loved and are beloved. Move now beyond form, flowing like water, feeding the sunlight and the moonlight, radiant as the stars in the night sky. Pass through the gates, enter without fear, and rest until we meet again. Go in peace, beloved Debbie, travel safely with our love into the mystery of God. Followed by this prayer, also by Al Flowers, at the Children's Garden: Our gracious and loving heavenly Father, be with us as we gather to celebrate and give thanks for the life and memories of our beloved Debbie. We come with just our thoughts and memories, and a few scant remains. Help us to remember the good times with thanksgiving and fade the hardships quickly in our hearts and minds. We give thanks that for Debbie, the difficulties of this life are over and that she is safe in your loving care. At this time when our sense of loss is great and our feelings raw, surround us with your love and strength. May we continue our lives with courage and hope for the future and may the peace and love of God be with us until we are joined together again in eternity. Amen