Remembering Todd

If you are reading this, it's most likely because you are a part of our life, so I expect that you already know most of what I'm about to say, but I'm a summary type of gal, so a summary you shall get.

On the morning of May 31, 2010, my wonderful husband Todd passed away as the result of a heart attack.  He was 31 years old.  There are no words to express exactly how thoroughly my life was devastated on that day, so I'm not going to even try.  Maybe someday, but not now.  The purpose of this post is simply to share as many of the materials used during his service as possible, for those individuals who were unable to join us in celebrating his life.  It was a sad day, but there were still plenty of smiles and lots of laughter.  That's what Todd would have wanted, and I think that we did a reasonably good job of obliging his request.

View his obituary, and the video tribute featuring photos of Todd Here, at the Krause Funeral Home website 

Listen to the playlist of music (pulled from his iPod) played during the visitation: Here, on playlist.com 

View (and download) the service program distributed before the service: Here, on Google Docs

View (and download) the Presider's notes from the service: Here, on Google Docs

You can view (and download) the custom Magic card created by our friend Tyler, and then professionally printed by a collaboration between our friend Dale and business partner, John: Here, on Google Docs 

The service was beautiful, and thanks to a stroke of luck and some quick thinking from my parents, were were fortunate enough to have a bagpiper in full uniform play for the service.  He did an amazing job, and played Highland Cathedral and Amazing Grace, in addition to one or two other songs that I can't recall.

The pallbearers for the occasion included Todd's brother, Evan, as well as our good friends, Matt, Steve, Andy, Ben, Dale, Kurt, and Shawn.

Fittingly enough, his exit was quite unique, too.  Despite the downpour that started just as the service ended (also quite fitting, really), he was transported from the funeral home to the crematorium courtesy of a custom  Harley hearse.  Here's the last picture that will ever be taken of the love of my life:

Losing Todd is the hardest thing I've ever been through.  I will never be the same, and I am absolutely certain that I will miss him every single day for the rest of my life, but it would be a dishonor to his memory if I didn't find some way to be happy again.  So I will.  For him, and for me. 

Thank you for caring, and for all of the support you've sent to me and the rest of Todd's family throughout his life, and now that he's gone.  I truly believe that we are all better for having had him in our lives. 

Comments

[Jess]

elena, my sweet kitty... that is beautifully written, and the picture brought a tear to my eye.... i can't wait to see you next weekend!

♥

[Melissa]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing for those of us who weren't able to attend the service. Much love for you, my dear. *hugs*

[Mags]

Your words are so beautiful, my sweet Kitteh. I guarantee he is proud of the woman you are and the love you, your families, and your friends have shown him through the celebration of his life. The celebration looks to have been incredible!!! I wish I could have been there with you to experience more of his wonderful life.

I love you, I miss you, and I hope, GOD WILLING, I'll get to see you soon!!!!

[Rachel]

That was so beautiful, Elena. My heart breaks for you everyday. Like Jess said, that picture brought tears to my eyes. (of course, that hearse is kick ass) ;-) I can't wait to give you the biggest hug from the smallest person you've ever had. Mwah. Love you!!!

[Carolyn Crawford]

Elena, that was so touching and a beautiful and loving tribute to your soulmate, Todd. The stars burn so much brighter in the heavens because of the love you and Todd shared, and that will last forever. Thank you for sharing your sweet tribute to him with all of us. I hope you feel the warm embrace of love and comfort each of your friends, both online and in your daily life, give you each and every day. No one will ever forget Todd. We all love you.