Epilogue

Dolphin Head

Henry's Blog will remain up to serve as a loving tribute and a place where visitors may leave wishes and remembrances for Henry. Beyond that, the future of this blog remains uncertain. The journey of Mama and Dad trying to build a living, loving, lifelong tribute is another story...one perhaps best not told here.

Many of the cards and letters we have received included heartfelt poems, tales, and quotations meant to console us. Many of these have touched us deeply, but one oft-told little story zeroed in to our feelings about Henry and his place in the cosmos:

I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea.
The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light,
and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered...

"He is gone."

But the sea was a narrow one. On the farther shore
a little band of friends had gathered to watch
and wait in happy expectation.
Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and
at the very moment when my companion had whispered "He is gone,"
a glad shout went up in joyous welcome...

"Here he comes!"

The Service

The Sanctuary at St. Luke's is a lovely place: High vaulting ceilings that let in plenty of light and air, yet intimate and comforting.

The proceedings were coordinated by Kathi B, Dad's boss (and friend of twenty years).

Music was the glue binding the proceedings. A Beatles-heavy selection of recorded prelude music culminated in the riveting A Capella version of "Because," followed by Reverend Tom, of the Unitarian Church, marking the 11:11 am hour by sounding a Tibetan gong. A very sweet rendition of "Blackbird," featuring gentle grand piano accompaniment, led to reflections from Henry's Godfather, who described Henry's life as a conscious choice directed to a spiritual purpose.

Henry's music teacher had visited Henry at home and played the cello for him. At the service she reprised her performance of "Scarborough Fair" with Dad accompanying on guitar. Henry's middle school principal brilliantly brought our memories of Henry to life using the words of his classmates. Our local Gullah gospel choir sang with soaring joy, and the family exited the church to "Here Comes the Sun."

After the receiving line, guests enjoyed a sunny reception of lemonade, cookies and other baked goods provided by volunteers from the local school of creative arts.

We were surrounded by family, friends, coworkers, and an amazingly supportive community. Henry's friends and schoolmates were touching in their sincere respect, mourning and concern.

It was a loving and gentle tribute that touched everyone's hearts...a little like Henry himself.

Memorial Service

The service will take place 11:11 am Saturday, October 4 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church located at 50 Pope Avenue on Hilton Head Island. A light reception will be held in the church’s adjacent courtyard following the service.

This article was in the local paper today.