Today we had a very nice memorial service for Dori. For the past week I have worried about how it would turn out and in particular how my little tribute to Dori would turn out. I have to say that everything was perfect. We had just enough space in the church for everyone. The music was great and the serive itself went great. Melissa gave a wonderful talk about Dori and I don't know how (well yes I do) I did it but I was able to give my speach without breaking completely down. In the end I feel at peace knowing things went off just like Dori would have wanted. It was a long day and lots of work and anxiety went into it but it was all worth it in the end.
This moring I got out of bed to wonderful rain-which we have not had here for some time and I though to myself, "Dori has only been in heaven 6 days and already she is getting a few things done for us". The rain cleared off by noon and it was a great day in San Antonio.
Many people have asked about what kind of memorial Dori would have wanted. We talked about this some and I will share her wishes with you in case you are moved to do this. There are two things that were very dear to Dori and that she believed in and fought for. One is victims of breast cancer. She was very active in the annual "Race for the Cure" in San Antonio and supported the efforts of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She liked the fact that money raised from the local race here in San Antonio stayed in the city and was used to educate and help all women, but especially the lower income women who had very little resurces for information and things like screening. If you are so inclined to help Dori continue to fight for these women here in San Antonio you may donate in the name of Dori Johnson to:
Komen San Antonio Affiliate
PO Box 6678
San Antonio, TX 78209
The second thing Dori felt strongly about is children who live in poverty. I few years ago our family decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International. Compassion is a Christian organization that helps children living in poverty. Consider sponsoring a child through Compassion or giving to them in Dori's name.
It's a pretty day,
Lets get on the merry-go-round of life,
Look at all the different faces,
Look at the various colors.
The faces looking on go by quickly, blurry.
Here we go, round and round, up and down.
The rythm of life, continuous.
Some choose to ride forever
Others can't seem to get off,
Caught in the circular motion making a life of repitition.
Few get off and find a new ride.
Me, I like to ride, but there is a time to step off and leave the merry-go-round.
-Dori Van Cleave (Johnson)
date unknown
This Sunday morning at 8:25am, Dori stepped off the merry-go-round of this life and onto a new ride. Make today a good day, kiss your husband or wife or someone you love, hug your kids and love your neighbor today. Tell Dori's story by how you live your life. I never heard Dori "preach" much but she said a lot by how she lived life. She lived it in a way that people knew God's love through her and the things she did....by how she rode the merry-go-round...
