Family of Hazel Dickens,

Thanks so much for taking the time to post here.   I'm imagining the reunion of family and friends that so often happens on the occasion of the death of a loved one. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, grand nieces and nephews, and a few good friends who may only come together once every several years, usually for occasions such as this. Coming from near and from far. And when we do, the ties of family and blood, and shared memories passed down through generations are celebrated and reinforced.

The last gift of the family member who has passed, if we are fortunate, is the gift of reminding us that we are parts of a family with a shared history and a shared legacy that shapes each of us and those who will come after us.   Your Hazel happened to be well-known and well-admired among many of us who never knew her personally. Thanks for sharing her with us.

At my own family gatherings at times such as these, there is much laughter, family singing together who haven't been together in decades, and general catching up with the lives of the grandkids of 2nd cousins. Truly a time of celebration of not just the life of our family member who has passed, but a celebration and renewal of family.

May it be so for you.