We went to Sean’s funeral yesterday. It was lovely. It was very light-hearted compared to other funerals I’ve been to. Most of the flower arraingements had sun flowers in them. I really liked that. I love sun flowers and I hope I can have them at my funeral some day.
Kevin is holding up so well. I’m really proud of him, I just hope that it’s not him bottling things up. I’ve asked him to let it out if there’s anything and he assures me he’s okay.
When Sean was dying, after he had decided he didn’t want to fight cancer anymore, he just kept asking his family if they were alright saying “Are you alright? Are you alright with this? I’m really gonna go here.” He was so concerned about everyone else. I think it was good for everyone to be willing to let him go. He said something so powerful before dying. After he asked his dad if it was okay for him to go his dad asked him if he was alright with it. Sean said “Yes it’s okay, I know where I’m going and I’m worthy to go there.”
He also said something to Amy before dying. She walked into the room and his face just lit up and he said “There she is! There’s my wife, the center of my universe, directing traffic!” What a touching way for her to remember that she is the center of his universe.
My heart truly goes out to Amy. How hard it must be to crawl into bed alone. How difficult to take care of Sean’s medical bills must be, or to go to church alone. Sean will have turned 30 in September, I imagine that day will be a difficult one for her.
They were married only about a month longer than Kevin and I have been. I can’t imagine what a short time with Kevin would leave me feeling. She’s strong, and I hope she clings to the church instead of rejecting it. I’m sure she’s the type of person that will hold strong.
Sean had a police escort, and salute for his funeral. They presented Amy with a flag. How special for Sean to get the respect that he deserves.
He’ll be greatly missed. We’ve been so richly blessed to have Sean in our lives.
Sean wrote a poem, it’s touching.
Friends in life we sometimes find
Their spirits great among mankind.
We see through their body worn
To find a hero, whom now we morn.
Yet still alive through memories
This friend we adore has been set free.
Free from body that kept them here
Close to our hearts, but far from our tears.
For in fighting each day their life became
An inspiration for all who saw their pain.
Blessed may they be as now in peace
Their bodies are filled with joy complete.
We love you Sean Sivertsen.
Katie said,
August 7, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I work at HCH and got to know Sean and Amy very well. I was heartbroken to hear he had passed away but I also feel very blessed to have met them and to have seen his amazing strength and sense of humor.