"They'll come." I kept hearing a voice say. "But, they've been avoiding me," I said. "They'll come because they want to help, but don't know how. This party will give them the chance they need to help you and themselves. You need people who care to be with you on that day." "That Day" was the first anniversary of the deaths of my two sons, Leon and Wayne. They were 29 and 28 when they were killed together in a car accident. 
 
"Lord, if this voice I hear is really you and you want it to happen, give me hymns and scriptures to read. But Lord I need a sign from you." The voice kept talking, "They will come and I will help you." "Lord, I need fifty people to come. Then I will know you planned it and will let other people know in order to praise your Holy Name." 
 
At first my family thought I was crazy. A celebration at a time like that - they were afraid no one would come. They skeptically went along as I felt so strongly. Friends helped me call other friends and those of my sons. Some said they would come, even though they knew it would be a sad occasion. 
 
I asked every guest to bring a plant bulb that we would put in a little memorial garden in our front yard. I also asked that they write any special memory of Leon or Wayne to be saved in a scrapbook. This was the first time I'd asked anyone to do anything for us since the funeral. I asked my pastor for a simple service to dedicate the garden. 
 
Friends offered to prepare food, and a former employer donated money for napkins, plates and drinks. A balloon warehouse gave me discounts on 50 light sticks and balloons. The light sticks were to be attached to the balloons. 
 
A friend of mind typed up notices for everyone to use and keep as a remembrance. Each one had a bookmark with a scripture verse attached to it. Pastor Tim read the Scripture verses that God wanted us to use: John 11:25, John 5:24 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. We dedicated the garden where we had planted the two dogwood trees, sang hymns and praised the Lord. We released the balloons on the last verse of "Amazing Grace". The light sticks on the balloons glowed with a beautiful radiance. 
 
Then everyone came inside for refreshments. I counted exactly 50 people, the number I had requested, PRAISE GOD! The house was full of laughter and everyone had a good time visiting and reading the memories of Wayne and Leon. I thought to myself that this house needed to hear laughter again. Family and friends came up and gave me a hug because they could finally do something for me and my family. I learned that the only way to really get help from family and friends is to let them know how they can help you in your grief.
 

 

 
 

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