Memorial to JOSEPHINE LEES COOPER March 7, 1929 - August 26, 2007 Conceived and Directed by Elsah Cort

 

Making the circle: the candle is lit for Mom, and all our Mom's "Who knows where the time goes?" sung by Judy Collins from Colors of the day. Reading: the Daily Word for August 25, 2007 (read to Jo in the hospital by her friend Linda Gardner, the day before she died)

PROTECTED I pause for a quiet time of communion with God. In this peaceful interlude, I rest in the stillness of God's presence with the assurance that I am cared for in every way. If at any time of the day or night I feel less than secure, I know it is time to reestablish my awareness of God's presence. Pausing for a deep breath, I relax. The Holy Presence within strengthens my resolve so that I meet my experience with faith and confidence. Just as I live and move in this sacred presence, so, too, do my family and friends-whether we are in our homes, on vacation, in unfamiliar surroundings. Enfolded in the presence of God, my loved ones and I are safe and secure. "You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2

 

Sharing: We tell our stories and our memories of Jo and her sisters. "Do not stand at my grave and weep" sung by Aine Minogue from Celtic Lamentations Reading: the Daily Word for August 26, 2007 (Jo was unable to hear this read to her on the morning of her death, she was sedated)

A VOICE The voice of wisdom leads us in overcoming any challenge of the human condition. It flows as a sacred language of the heart and soul that reminds us that we all share in the inheritance of God's good-despite any perceived differences of who we are and what we deserve. Even one clear and discernible voice speaking t he truth of the worthiness of all humankind sparks a like resp;onse fomr the hearts of many others. With such reverence fo one another, we have spiritual insight tht reveals the wonder of life. We see the true pictutre of all humankind; we are all spiritual beings created by God and worthy of good. "For I have not spiken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me." John 12:49-50

Passing the silver tray "The Parting Glass" sung by Shawn Davey from the movie, Waking Ned Divine "When I go" sung by Dave Carter from When I Go Reading: "In Blackwater Woods", a poem by Mary Oliver "Over the Rainbow" sung by Eva Cassidy, from Songbird You can read the poem by clicking on the title The circle is followed by a life celebration luncheon. Be sure to enjoy the photo album and the video of all the sisters while you are gathered together. Thank you for coming to this celebration of the life of our mother Elsah, Peggy, and Steve

 

Support our Troops? by Jo Cooper      This was the last op-ed piece that Jo was working on the day she broke her arm and landed in the hospital. Elsah has edited it a bit for her, with plans to send it to the Pasadena Star News, where Jo had many of her letters to the editor published in the last few years.      To read her article, click on the title above, or on "NEXT".

 

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