Scattering of Petra's ashes

As most of you know, on October 24, we scattered Petra's ashes at Ebey's Landing on Whidbey Island. The island is about an hour north of Seattle and a short ferry ride. Ebey's Landing is a beautiful spot with a natural prairie, bluffs and a beach.

I carried mom's ashes in her old kitchen compost container. (When we were discussing arrangements, rather than trying to sell me something, the funeral director asked if I had a suitable container--I can't recommend People's Memorial more for a no-pressure experience--and I decided that it would be absolutely perfect. She certainly taught me to value recycling and composting from a very young age!)

We met near the prairie overlook at noon. Some had spent the night in Oak Harbor, about 10 minutes north, and others took the ferry over in the morning.

  

Armed with a boom box and a selection of mom's musical choices for the occasion, we set off on a short walk towards the bluff. When we arrived at the historic blockhouse, we considered our options in terms of location. Deciding that a more water-adjacent spot would be preferable, we jumped in the cars, headed down to the beach and found a nice spot.

Hope set about writing in the sand.

We listened to a couple of poems set to music. There were some readings specifically requested by mom and Peggy contributed a few of her own works and other words, funny, serious and truthful.

 

We tossed the flowers into the water. Folks scattered a few handfuls of ashes and then Andrés (shoes and all!) and I waded into the water and scattered the rest. We listened to the rest of the music, ending on a rousing note, as requested!

Then we went to the waterfront in nearby Coupeville for lunch. The town was celebrating homecoming, so there was a parade, as well as lots of Halloween decorations.

It was a relaxed, joyful day.