We have gathered here from far and wide in this place of worship to honor and remember the beautiful life of Anna Maxine. The support we have felt lifts us up from across the country and globe. We have been surrounded by family and friends — and friends who are family.  We have shared her life, a life that has touched the lives of so many — without ever saying a word.  In her quiet way, she made each of us better. She made the world better.  Love without limitation. Slow down. Be with friends.

We have all gotten to know Anna through Jenn’s writing.  She has captured Anna’s spirit and put into words how we have laughed and lived and loved through our time with her.  Anna’s life is a blessing to us all. Go back and read them again. Look at the pictures and look at the life. We must each remember and celebrate her in our lives.

I look forward to living. To live and remember Anna without the pain of today ... most of the time. To focus on the amazing 80 long days that we enjoyed as a family of five. All together. Every day. To enjoy the photos of each and every one of those days that capture the personality and charm of our little one, and the memories they will share with anyone who will really listen to them.

There is so much more to say but today it would be to difficult. There will be a better time. So until that time let us rest assured that Anna is happily cradled in Jesus arms until we meet again. As Jenn’s letter said, “Today we are connected by grief. Tomorrow we will be connected by goodness.”