Update on the Funeral of the Murder Victim I sang at!

[Hartbrayka]

Well all, I made it through the songs.  It was a hard, tough morning.  In seeing this poor girl's mother at the funeral, I reminded myself that life is too short, and to love your children with all your heart, every second of the day, every day.  Never go to sleep without giving your kids a kiss, because unfortunately you never know when the last goodnight kiss will be.  I couldn't write about my morning yesterday because I needed a day to unwind, and be with my boys.  I sang 2 songs for Thalia and her family and friends at the wake on the morning of her funeral, seconds before her family said their last goodbyes. I needed to focus on the songs and nothing else, in order for me to make it through the songs without breaking down.  Watching 50 people break down in front of me was not easy, but I needed to go in front of them and give them the gift of song dedicated to Thalia and her mourners.  I delievered the song the best I can, I didn't want to let Thalia's mother down.  She was so excited to hear that I would sing her daughter's and her favorite song "Angel", and oddly and ironically enough, the words of the song couldn't be any more fitting.  After my last song, I greeted the immidiate family, expressed my condolences, walked out and broke down.  I made it to the end, which was my wish. I never realized how physically and emotionally difficult it was to keep myself together for just an hour.  I sat in my car in the parking lot and just sat there and cried and cried.  I didn't know Thalia, but with this experience I got to learn about her life, and her story, and meet with her family, and it was such an honor to be the one to console her family through song.  I cried for her family, I cried because I felt it right there, the love they all had for Thalia, and their sorrow and sadness that they will go through the rest of their lives because of this tragedy.  If anyone would like to read the latest story in the newspaper about her here is the link.  You can also get more stories on her through the link.  Thank you all who supported me and sent me well wishes.  Here's the link. http://www.northjersey.com/news/A_beautiful_beautiful_person_mourned.html

[asoldierswife]

Oct. 4, 2008 at 10:18 PM

 wow, your a stronger women then I, for me if one person sheds a tear, Im balling right there.. One thing about being a parent is you take nothing for granted, you treat your kids, as you expect others to treat them, and you record there laugh and use  them as alarm signals and ring tones, atleast I do,

[VivianasMommy]

Oct. 4, 2008 at 10:40 PM

I am glad all went well and you did good. I know that must have been so hard. I don't think I could have done it.

[wokingmommy]

Oct. 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM

I remember hearing about this tragedy.  My heart goes out to her family.  You should be proud of how strong you were to sing for the family and friends at the funeral without breaking down.  I can only imagine how hard it was for you.  I don't know if I could have made it through.  Bless you.

[karenl]

Oct. 5, 2008 at 1:50 PM

I'm glad you made it through ok. I don't think I could have! I read about that tragedy in the paper. My heart goes out to the family.

[Herstory]

Oct. 5, 2008 at 4:06 PM

Thank you so much for sharing this experience.  These very personal moments sure give us reason for pause and consideration - counting blessings, and remembering loved ones taken in various ways. . . God bless U.

[Herstory]

Oct. 6, 2008 at 2:41 AM

We can leave her free online virtual flowers here: Thalia Stathis Tribute

Imagine the impact if every CafeMom left her a flower :-)

Remembering murder victims - Moms United

My friend (a cool mom, scout leader, horsewoman, emergency room RN) was also a murder victim. Her online memorial is here:  Sharon Pietarila Tribute