The Service

Dad's service this past Saturday went very well. My brother-in-law, Lenard, officiated at the service. Emily sang the Lord's Prayer, we had a recording of my parents singing and a slide show that played to "I Can Only Imagine." We also had someone from Hospice sing "You'll Never Walk Alone." It all went well.. The reception was very nice too..we went as easy as we could and had it catered by whoever the funeral home uses..

There were about 60 or so people there, based on who signed the guest book. One surprise was a man who came into our lives back in 1973..I haven't seen him in who knows how long. He saw the obituary and came to the service. Another person there was Martie's vet. I didn't know until last night when I read her note she left. How cool is that?!! I have some pictures from the reception with all the grandkids that were there. My dad has a lot of hats. On several of the hats are pins from all over the world. He would collect them from their travels. We invited our guests to take a look at the pins and if they saw one they liked to go ahead and take it as a memory of Dad. It was sooo cool..people were gathered around the hats. The pictures are of the grandkids wearing the hats. My Dad was also known for his rather loud wardrobe. Especially his pants. Well, he didn't the wildest ones from the past, but he had one pair. The kids are holding those in the pictures too..I'll try to post those in the next couple of days.

A lot of people have asked "What about Martie??" (my Dad's dog) Well, Yesterday, Martie flew to Montana to be with Minnie Key. Minnie used to work at Laurel House (the assisted living place where my Dad lived.) She was my Dad's favorite nurse there and she really loved Martie. Late last year, or early this year, Minnie moved to Montana..It was Debbie's desire that Minnie would take Martie. When Minnie found out, her first question was, "What about Martie??" She wanted Martie, so the details were worked out and yesterday Martie left. That was so hard..She was a HUGE part of my Dad's life. When Martie arrived, Minnie said she was pretty scared, but when Minnie started talking to her, Martie recognized her and settled down.

Today we finished clearing out Dad's apartment. It's really final! I'm having a hard time talking in past tense. When it was time for Debbie and me to leave to our homes, we were bawling..

I know death is not unique. It happens all the time..But this experience is unique to me. I'm having to re-learn how to live this part of my life. My relationship with my Dad has been a big part of my life.

Thursday I go back to work. Part of me is looking forward to it, but there's a huge part that's not. I have a feeling that the grieving process is really just beginning. There is so much work to do when someone close dies. Last week was spent getting geared up for the service, picking up death certificates, etc..also starting the cleaning out of Dad's apartment. Now that the work is finished...all that's left is memories.

Debbie and I both feel that Mom isn't that far behind Dad..I don't even want to think about that, but it's going to be a reality. She has touched a lot of lives. In her present state, she has touched a lot of the people at the nursing home where she lives. She wonders what her purpose is now that her husband is gone. Time will tell. I only hope we have time to catch our breath.

This a rambling post..I'm tired...the pictures will be up soon..