I just wanted to let you all know that after the visitation and Funeral this weekend that I am ok.
The visitation was lovely.
We had photos of my dad out and I draped the quilt I made him over the casket, placed his baritone sax, snowmobile model and a photo of the band he played in on top of it.
They hung his Army Air Corp jacket by his military photo and the flag and flower arrangements.
It was good to see so many people that I had not seen in a long time.
To catch up with relatives and friends.
To share stories about my dad in the different parts of his life.
My middle daughter stood up at the funeral and gave an amazing tribute to my dad.
One of the things she said was that she would not be the person she is today without having had my dad in her life.
sniff, sniff.
I was told I was not to cry or she would not be able to hold it together.
I welled up but held it together.
My dear friend played the flute
(and had an amazing story to tell me about how my dad chose the music he wanted,
but that's a story for another time)
Several friends of my dad's told stories about him.
He sure did touch a lot of people.
The honor guard was there with a military gun send off. followed by Taps.
I was doing fine until they played Taps, then the waterworks opened up.
I managed to collect myself and was only fighting back tears as they presented me with the flag
and the shell casings from the tribute.
I barely remember the lunch and all too soon we were heading to the cemetery.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day!
HIs body was committed to the Earth and the funeral director broke out the Sharpies!
We all wrote one last goodbye to him on his casket.
Something we wanted him to know or remember from each of us.
It was a long couple of days and yet it flew by.
I will always miss my dad but know he is watching over me and my family.
I am still feeling a little lost (not sure how else to describe it).
Everyone tells me this will pass.
I feel blessed that God chose him for my dad!
I realize that my blog has been not so quilty of late and hope you will all hang in there with me.
I have a few new things in the works and hope to be able to do some sharing soon!
~XOP~
13 comments:
Sounds like a day of love and joy your father was smiling down and watching.
There is nothing so beautiful as a military funeral. Taps gets to me too. Hang in there.
Sounds like it was a wonderful day and what a great tribute to have so many wonderful memories and have so many people who loved and cared for him there.
How wonderful that you have a dad that has lived a loving and fulfilling life. He will always be with you. When you think " I,ll just phone dad" the conversation is the same, but in your head.He will continue on.love at this time.
Hugs my dear.
Pam, I'm so sorry about your Dad. What a neat idea to write a final message.
Don't worry about the blog, grieving for my father took a long time. He was my rock and I miss my parents every day.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. May God bless and keep you. I have enjoyed the pics and post of him enjoying his time with you since you moved him close to you.
Thanks so much for sharing.......
so good to know so many friends and relatives were there with you for his farewell, to have had so many tributes paid must have helped tremendously and how nice to know he was so loved and had touched so many lives. These memories will stay with you for ever.
What a beautiful day- and I love the idea of writing a final message! Praying for you. (((hugs)))
Never easy but knowing he is always a thought away is a blessing. my prayers and thoughts for you and yours.
It sounds like it was the perfect send off and you'll always be able to cherish the memories of your times together. Big hugs.
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