"Blessed are the dead the rain falls upon, blessed be the bride the sun shines upon."The funeral director told us this yesterday as we got out of the limo. It had been raining off and on all day, but it was pouring when we reached the cemetery. He said he knew it was going to rain because we had such a special family and were such good people, we deserved to have it rain for him.
Father Nick did a beautiful service, his homily couldn't have described Dad any better. He remembered everything we had ever mentioned about Dad, down to his ongoing battle with the squirrels in the backyard, his practical jokes on the neighbors, and his love for his family.
There were 3 active duty Army men there, they saluted Dad and Mom and did a beautiful flag ceremony, and Taps was played. It was one of the most touching moments I've ever experienced. They presented Mom with the flag and saluted her when she left.
At the wake, which we had at the Thompson Club, Uncle Larry read something my cousin Doug had sent. He couldn't make it because he is from Seattle and his wife can't travel. Doug's tribute said it all perfectly, down to the fact that if there ever was a Slovak Leprechaun, it would have been Uncle Joe. :)
Happy got up and told some equally touching anecdotes...some funny, but all from the heart. For those of you who were there, "Uncle Jimmy" even got up and said something....cock a doodle doo? For those of you who weren't there, "Uncle Jimmy" was a funeral crasher and we have stories that are too long to tell here....let's just say it was appropriate that it happened at my Dad's wake.
It was a beautiful day, and I miss him so much.
Yes it was a beautiful service, it was everything dad could ever hope for and then some. The line of cars from the church to the cemetery was the whole length of the high level bridge...even the funeral director commented on that. Just goes to show when you care about others it comes back to you a hundredful! Love and miss you with all my heart dad.
ReplyDeletePatty
The flag ceremony was very touching, and the entire service was beautiful. It was a wonderful way to send such a loving man to his final resting place.
ReplyDeleteYour dad sent "Uncle Jimmy" to the funeral as a way of getting the last laugh. :-)
Karen, do you believe "Uncle Jimmy showed up at church Sunday morning also, and he came right up to us...Oh and to anyone reading my comment, I meant to say a hundredfold, not ful...Sorry Lauren..Hope everyone had a good trip back!
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