celebration of life*

jon-erik & carsten (boho boy), canon digital rebel xti

I've been wanting to share for a while now about the most meaningful part of our trip out to Canada last month.

Leonard's wake.

The family together decided that we wanted it to be quiet and intimate. Just the four of us. Birgit, Jon-Erik, Carsten (boho boy) and me.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect. The days prior were so hot and humid and when we woke up to a cool, crisp, clear day, I felt the divine timing of it all.

Leonard didn't want a funeral. He wanted a celebration. Nothing depressing, dark or sad. So that is what we gave him. The party the day prior was full of laughter and fun. This particular day was quiet...but magical.

As we were all headed to the dock, the boys picked up their canoe, put it up on their shoulders and walked it over to the water. I walked behind them, getting permission to capture it all with my camera so I can make a photojournal for mom.



Before the boys got in the water, we all gathered on the dock and prepared the ashes in a beautiful ceramic container. Jon-Erik lit a bundle of sage to begin the ceremony.


mom kroon & jon-erik, canon digital rebel xti

Usually there are boats that travel by but this morning it was so quiet and serene. I could hear the soft whisper of the wind and my heart felt warm, full..and at peace. We watched mom pour some of the ashes in the water from the dock. She then held onto the bundle of sage while the boys paddled out into the water.






Her and I sat there in silence watching their strokes. In fluid motion, the brothers went out far enough away so that they were in the middle of the lake.





Carsten slowly poured out the ashes while Jon-Erik paddled. It was quiet. Beautiful. Magical. I felt Leonard with us, dancing around us in the wind. This was his land, his waters, his family and now it will forever be a part of him.



As the boys came back up on the dock, Jon-Erik cracked open a bottle of Leonard's favorite port wine. We toasted to Leonard as father, husband, friend.



Then we all sat gathered together and they told me stories. Wild, funny stories about this amazing man that emulated the character of Indiana Jones.

It filled me with pure, crazy joy to see them laughing so heartily...




a mother & son sandwich


me & the adorable boho boys. jon-erik bought these matching shirts
for them which i thought was so fun...and totally hippy. ; )

What a beautiful ceremony. Something I will cherish deeply. It just made me feel even closer to him, not further away.

I shared this with you not only because it was a life altering experience for me but also to comfort those that have lost loved ones. We can celebrate their life with lightness, joy and creativity. Perhaps having your own special ceremony would bring comfort and closeness as Leonard's wake did for us.