Spahija & Bardho Funerals

Today is the funeral service for
Mariana Spahija and Donika Bardho. 

Ricki Buesing is giving a eulogy and the service

will be at the Methodist Church.

I found a couple of photos - taken the day

that Mariana was baptized in

Lezhe, Albania.

It reminded me that digital photography has not been

around very long.  The pictures - because

they were negatives-  did not withstand the test of time.

I put them into black and white so that they would

look a little better.

Burhan, Mariana and Shelia

Burhan and Mariana

The baptism took place in the Adriatic Sea and it was a bit chilly - coming out of the water - even though it was

summer and warm.

Here are a few thoughts that others have expressed -

they fit so well with our feelings.  They put into words what we cannot seem to do today. 

“Whether two are meeting for the first time or have known each other all their lives, friendship is the foundation of the bridge between their hearts and minds. It does not matter how a friendship begins; once it takes root in the soul, it quickly grows . . . . . ultimately it can blossom into one of the most magnificent treasures the world can hold.” Susan Polis Schutz

“The soul hungers for friendship - someone to associate with, to compare stories with, to go places with, and to call on the phone. We keep the gift and get the blessing of friendship by passing it on to other in this give-and-take world. Thank you for this gift. What a blessing you have been to me!” Donna Fargo

Mariana, you were a very special gift to many people - in your work as Special Education Teacher at Lumpkin County High School, in your church, and to those you met in your everyday activities.  You will be SO missed.  Burhan, please know that we are thinking of you and the children today.  May God's grace be sufficient.  

Arville and Shelia