March 16, 2015
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Company
I'm planning to tell you about the memorial service for Tom, but first I need to tell you how many family members came, and how we housed them all. Some volunteered to get motel rooms, but we told them that wasn't necessary. TX daughter came with her special needs daughter. They slept in our downstairs family room on a futon and a single bed. The next day her husband and oldest son arrived. Next was oldest son's wife and little girl. Then middle son and wife, then youngest son and wife and baby. Are you confused yet? We were. Some drove, but most flew. 4 of the 6 family homes here were used for guests, but first we had to figure out who came when, who got along best with who, which homes were suitable for babies, and who was not allergic to dogs and cats. (Most were.) We ended up making a chart, loaning pillows, etc. It all worked out, and everyone was fairly comfortable. Unfortunately baby's mama got the stomach flu, and their flight home had to be delayed a day. Also several started coming down with colds. Most of them hung out here most of the days. Neighbors and church friends brought in plenty of food. Oh, I almost forgot. A friend came from southern Indiana and stayed here. Also, a couple came from N. Carolina. The husband was Tom's friend since Jr. High school. They stayed in our guest room until my brother and sister in law arrived from Spain, then they stayed at a local friends' house. Needless to say it was interesting. Hectic but enjoyable. It just sounds wrong to say fun for a funeral. Tom would have enjoyed it immensely. I told myself he was having a much better party in Heaven, and I'm sure he was, and is. I cried some during the nights, but not during the days. When I was younger I cried a lot, but as I grew older, not so much. I don't know whether our tears dry up when we get older, or whether I just figured out it didn't always help that much. I'm sure there will be more tears as the days go on. Last of TX family left this morning. One daughter took me to do errands today, and another will come with her husband for supper tonight. They are taking good care of me. There are a lot of details to care for, but the kids are helping with that. I am blessed.
Comments (9)
I think it's ok to say 'fun' for a funeral... especially if it's what your husband would have loved.
Isn't the purpose of the funeral rite, to bring people together who have long been apart... to rejoin them and alleviate some of the pain of loss?
God's peace and blessings to you,
Lynn
That was beautiful. You remain in my prayers as you begin your new life.
blessings
frank
I will continue to pray for your comfort and peace in your new routine. Hugs, Char
Funerals should be celebrations of the life of the person - where friends and family gather and laugh and tell stories about Tom and remember all the good things and good times. I'm so glad so many from far away were able to come to the funeral.
I think a chart was a good idea. I'm not sure I could have kept it all straight. Hugs & prayers friend!
Seeing this familial gathering brings solace as much as possible . But as you say the up coming days will be hard . I hope you will be not alone .
Love
michel
I can only imagine how fun (and hectic) it was to have so many people in your home and surrounding homes. Praying for you today.
Thank God for family all around you. Continuing to pray for you! Life is sad but loved ones help ease the pain.
Sounds quite hectic, yet enjoyable too ~