Remembering Meagan a year later

A whole year has passed since Meagan's passing.  The Bells and Meagan are in my thoughts and in my heart.  Sending you lots of good energy and special hugs today.

Meagan's Memorial Service

... was a personification of love and community.  There was not an empty pew in the Church as Meagan was remembered and celebrated for her love, energy, and authentic self.    So many people expressed about Meagan what Robert writes below:

"... what I recall now is how endlessly generous she was with her happiness and affection. No one else I’ve ever known was ever so consistently upbeat. To see her was to be greeted by a beaming smile, a twinkling eye, and enthusiasm that always made her seem almost to be bounding, even when she was just walking up to greet you.   

I also remember her eager delight when she’d relate the small or large events in your lives. I remember the pride in her voice when she talked about her first job, the detail she went into about the labor involved. I remember her delight in relating anywhere one of you were going, or had just returned from, or what challenge—traveling, coaching, washing dishes, anything—you’d just overcome."

All who knew Meagan will miss her.  May we strive to live and love like she did.

Filming Memorial Service?

Does anyone in western MA want to help by filming Meagan's memorial service tomorrow? It will be held Saturday July 20th at the Belchertown United Church of Christ (18 Park St, Belchertown MA) at 2:30PM. Amherst Media has generously offered us use of one of their cameras. I just need someone to help with the actual filming. Please be in contact if you have some film experience and would be willing to help in this way. Many thanks!
Contact: Verity Norman at veritynorman@gmail.com or 617-230-8603.

Extended meal sign-up

We've extended the sign-up for providing meals for the Bell family through August 18. As you will see on the website, we are just looking for people to sign up for dinners, and for just 8 people instead of 12. Thank you all so much for your generosity.

http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=CRMA2799

Hi friends,

Just a quick message - the Bells are doing well and Dave is recovering nicely at home. A HUGE Thank You from them to everyone who has reached out and given generous support in so many ways!

On Friday (7/19) they've asked for some privacy as their whole family will be in town and they need some quiet time as a family - also to talk through details of the Memorial Service on Saturday. Thanks for respecting their wishes.

Again, so many thanks to everyone.

Hi everyone,

Some of us thought that we might set up a fund for the Bells - especially since several friends from around the world have asked how they can contribute financially. There may be a lot of expected and unexpected expenses during this difficult time, including funds for family travel from far flung places to attend Meagan memorial service.

Please note that the Bells are NOT soliciting funds, and may not need them. In the latter case, any funds collected will be donated to one of Meagan's favorite causes (see list below).

But if you would like to contribute financially, here's a way to do so:

http://www.gofundme.com/3lonhc

****************

Message from the Bells:
In lieu of flowers, we would really appreciate if donations were made to either of Meagan's four favorite charities on her behalf. Below are instructions:

To Donate to Golf Fore Autism:
1. Please mail a check to:
Golf Fore Autism
C/O Sharon Quesnel
32 Lorraine Avenue
South Hadley. MA. 01075
PLEASE be sure to include a note with your name and contact information with the cheque. Golf Fore Autism is not a large organization like some of the others Meagan worked for and do not have an online system for accepting donations however the Bells really support the cause so those wishing to mail cheques are encouraged to do so.

To Donate to Special Olympics:
1. visit their website at www.specialolympicsma.org and click on the link to 'Donate' at the top right hand corner of the screen, it should be in red writing.
2. This will take you to the secure online form. Fill out all the information as needed. BEFORE SUBMITTING, READ STEP 3.
3. Before submitting, click the 'Tribute and Memorial Giving' box. This will pull up a small form to fill out the first and last name of the person you are making your donation in memory of, please fill out Meagan Bell.

To Donate to Best Buddies:
1. Visit the www.bestbuddiesma.org/donate
2. Click on the link 'Donate' on the left sidebar, it is the fourth option.
3. This will take you to a secure online form. Fill out the information as needed. At the bottom of the form, before the 'donate' confirmation button, there is a part of the form that says 'Gift Designation'. Please fill out this field with 'Meagan Bell, from _______ _________', fill the blanks with your first and last name.

To Donate to Opportunities for Communities:
1. Visit http://opportunitiesforcommunities.org/
2. On the sidebar on the left side of the webpage, look for the link that says 'Donating', it is under the larger heading of 'Getting Involved' .
3. This will take you to another page with instructions on how to donate. Click on the 'Paypall' icon at the bottom of the page.
4. Now you should be at a page where you can fill out a form with your credit card details and the amount you wish to donate. If you have a paypall account, you can log in and pay through that. Please fill out this form and click 'review donation and continue'
5. Once you have done that, you will be taken to another page, the final confirmation of payment page. On this page, please click the box 'add special instructions to seller', a box to write comments should appear, in this box please write 'Donation on behalf of Meagan Bell from ____________ _____________' , fill the blanks with your first and last name.

Dave out of hospital

Folks:  Many of your may have heard that Dave Bell has been released from hospital and is spending some time with family. He will start home-based rehab soon.  We continue to send good energy and love their way.