I was asked n was honored to deliver the eulogy for my dear friend, Beverly LaMantia Hammekes Mom. Yesterday was the saddest n hardest day Ive ever spent with her. Today, she asked if I would post what I wrote. We all know how much Karen loved Elvis Presley, so I chose to begin with some lyrics from his song, If I can Dream. there must be lights shining brighter somewhere, got to be birds flying higher, in a sky more blue there must be peace and understanding sometime, strong winds of promise that will blow away the doubt n the fear I dream of a warmer sun where hope keeps shining on everyone we are lost in a cloud of too much rain, trapped in a world thats troubled with pain but as long as all of man has the strength to dream we can redeem our souls n fly deep in our hearts theres a trembling question, Im sure there will come an answer, somehow out there in the dark theres a beckoning candle for Karen has made it home I have been blessed beyond riches to have known n felt, as a small part of the LaMantia family for 30 yrs. My first life experience of what a real, loving, fun n sharing family ought to be, was in their home. Its the Mom who keeps a family together. Its from there the expression was coined, Happy wife, Happy life. n she exemplified, built a legacy of what a wonderful family is all about! Who would not want to come home to her sweet, loving n caring ways? When you were troubled...she could tell n would come through with touching n thoughtful words n a smile n laugh to cheer you. Always supportive, encouraging n compassionate, made you feel understood, appreciated n comfortable. Funny. It was never so much as what she told you, but mostly in how she showed you. She was a hand, an ear, or that shoulder you needed n she was sunshine, all wrapped up into an amazing, sweet, gentle heart of a lady. She nary showed a sad or sorrowful look upon her face, or complained, even in the saddest of moments n hardest of days. Always jolly, warm n welcoming with sparkles in those bluest of eyes. Oh, n those eyes!!! From her ceramics studio in the little room along side their home in Old Bridge where she originally taught, to her Ceramics by Karen business in Manahawkin. She will always be remembered for those, amazingly, perfect eyes, she painted on any ones ceramic pieces, all you needed to do was ask! You could recognize those eyes by Karen ANYWHERE! She was tremendously talented n shared her gifts with everyone! One of the greatest, most wonderful women Ive even known. Not one mean, selfish, hurtful or spiteful bone in her body, in her heart or on her mind. She always found the good in everyone. If you were lucky enough to know her, you loved her; n chances are, she loved you too n would do anything for you. She was generous to say the least. An extraordinary, especially incredible Lady! With her passing, I cant help but feel the world has lost one of so very few, real angels that have ever walked this earth. This is a big loss for all of us whose hearts she touched. But to those who were blessed with the gift of calling her Hun, or Mom or Grandma, Aunt or Cousin, what words can anyone say to leave you feeling lifted, understood n comforted? From her loving husband, Ted. The love of her life, her high school sweetheart. She honored with all her loving devotion. Her 2 wonderful children, Beverly n Joseph. She gently guided with unconditional love, you were her pride n joy. To her 4 beautiful granddaughters, Paige, Brooke, Megan n Tara. Her light, her sun, her moon, her stars. How she treasured each n every one of you with all her heart. Her biggest regret was in leaving you. Missing all your future accomplishments, personal milestones n celebrations...of you! Wishing to be with you to give warm hugs n happy kisses. But most of all, to be here to comfort you through your heartache n tears, like those of this very day. It pained her to think of you crying n hurting because she was gone. She wanted to be the one to hold you tight n dry your tears n tell you, Its ok to cry, but please dont cry for me. I dont hurt anymore, n my love will never leave you. It was apparent that she was an amazing wife, a selfless mother n grandmother above n beyond the call of duty; everything she was n meant to everyone else, she was to all of you 100 fold! Take comfort in knowing her spirit will be with you n a part of you, always. I can assure you that; It was never her wish to leave you all so soon, but it was her time. Gods plan is not for us to know. But do know; When you hear her call your name, it is her. When you feel her presence, she is there. She had a love that knows no bounds of time or space. When she left this world, she was shed only of her mortal flesh. Her spirit was released to spread among the ether, her love, her good nature n her kindness. Her soul was welcomed into Gods loving arms. She is seated at the table with Jesus. . . in the kitchen, n all her loved ones who have gone before are there. N they must be having a HeLL of a good time! I believe shes gonna like it there. Though she will be missed by so many n never forgotten! She is not really gone from us if we choose to remember her in our hearts n our memories. As we say our final good-byes, we are surrounded by her love n she hears our prayers. But I know she would also like us all to keep smiling, as she would do.. So, in the immortal words of Elvis Presley, Return to Sender.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 23:28:53 +0000
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