guys in ties...

Adam looked very handsome in his new tie.  It was unfortunate that he had to buy one for his grandfather's funeral, but there it is.  He was incredibly sweet the whole time he was here.  He hung out with John and I, and with all the other relatives.  He held my mother's hand as he walked her out of the graveyard.  This is an image that will stay with me forever.

My dad's funeral was yesterday and we are all doing well.  I sat with my mom and held her hand.  At one point, I felt an invisible arm come around my shoulder.  (That was great, Dad, to know that you were there with us.)

At the rosary the night before, I was the first to give a remembrance of my dad. I made everyone, myself included, cry. 

My mom is the one I worry about but we will all be there to help her.  The last of my out-of-town siblings will leave on Friday and then she will be alone.  After 56 years of marriage, this is going to be tough. 

The funeral was a long, traditional Catholic mass, complete with incense and all.  Adam asked me what the incense was actually for, but I didn't know the answer...said something like I thought it was some ancient purification ritual or something, I supposed.  My brother, Ted (the priest) officiated at the mass and gave a sermon on the resurrection of the body.  I am not a resurrection of the body believer, but okay, whatever. 

My lovely friends:  Irene, Heidi, Diane, Kris, and Evelyn (the Coffee Girls) all came to the funeral and reception and that meant so much to me.  Gosh, it's great to have good friends!

My sister, Marita, and her kids and their kids and spouses ALL came and stayed with me and that was chaotic and so cool. 

And YOU, all my bloggy friends, stopped by here and sent your love.  Thanks so much for that.

I'll miss my dad.

Comments

[Arlene]

Beautiful photos of Adam. Those types of memories stay with mothers forever. You are a brave soul to be able to stand up and speak about your father. I don't think I could have done it without falling into a pile and crying. 58 years of marriage - now that is something! I'm glad your mother is nearby so you can be with her - she'll need you.

[Sam]

Oh Diane, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. How good to read that you've felt supported and loved during this difficult time. You and your mom especially are in my thoughts.

[isay]

Your son Adam is really handsome and has a beautiful smile.

I'll say a special prayer for your mom.

[tinker]

How sweet of your son, holding your mom's hand like that - what a poignant image that must have been. And how poignantly sweet it must have been to feel that arm around your shoulders, too.
Keeping you, your mom, all your family in my thoughts, Diane, as you move through the grieving process. Take good care of you~ ((Hugs))

[melanie (wee)]

O Diane, I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It is a tough, tough time and though I can't say that I know exactly how you feel as everyone experiences loss differently and grieves in their own way, know that you are in my thoughts and loving, gentle blessings are flowing your way. Be kind and gentle to yourself.

love and well wishes,

xo Melanie

[Elizabeth]

oh that boy-o of yours is so handsome and so KIND you can see the kindness and gentleness of her personality come through-- you deserve to be proud of such a lovely man. and how glad I am to know you have such comfort around you in this sad time--- good friends and loving family-- no doubt your dad was VERY proud of YOU,-- my thoughts and blessings are with you! Bisous, E

[Margaret]

I tried to post this once before, but it didn't work. Your son looks very handsome; is he busy studying? I'm glad that it went well, but now comes the hard part of adjusting to life without your beloved dad.

[Margaret]

Very handsome, and I'm glad it went well. The hardest days come now as you all adjust to life without your beloved dad.