Unexpected Detours: June 2022

I didn't think it was possible to put things together so fast, but Han's family did a beautiful job of it. In less than a week after Siem died, he has been honored, celebrated and laid to rest.

On Thursday night, there was an opportunity for the community to come by and offer their condolences to the family. We arrived early and had the chance to add some special touches to his coffin. Markers were left out for others to add to it while they were here, too.

What a meaningful touch!

His beloved bike (that he was just riding two weeks ago!) was brought in, as well.

The gathering was held in Limmen, the town he lived in his whole life. So there was an incredible line of people willing to wait for a very long time, in order to honor him, shake hands, give us their best wishes, and share in our grief.

At the end of the night (his nephew and sister were also in the receiving line with us).

On Friday, we gathered together, waiting for him to come by the house one last time.

His grandson, Sjors, led the small procession to the church on his Opa's bike.

The Cornelius Church (built in 1901) is only a few blocks from their house

and has been Siem's church all his life, making it extra special.

We arrived to bells ringing in his honor.

I was honored to be part of the ceremony, helping to wheel the coffin in.

Siem loved country music and always had it playing in his car.

His very favorite artist was Johnny Cash,

so it was so touching to walk in as "I Walk the Line" was being played.

It was a beautiful ceremony, led by Pastor Mike

and with Rieky, Gitte, & Han

managing to share their loving thoughts with us all.

Even though I couldn't understand all of it because of my beginner level Dutch,

I was so very moved.

The whole service was recorded here for those who would like to see it.

To see the slideshow I created, click here.

(The first song was their wedding song and the rest were real favorites)

~~~~~~

After the church service, with bells ringing, everyone waved us off as we headed to the crematorium.

Such a poignant moment between best friends.

From there we headed back to the Mill where family who had travelled far was waiting to greet us.

Just as he had done for my mom, Han asked everyone to tie a piece of fabric to this rope (measured out to represent his lifeline), with a wish or a prayer to create a garland...in honor of Siem, in what will now be our memorial garden.