We were so late yesterday and Ed explained that fact set the tone with the Funeral Director. He didn't say too much about it but his body language said to me, loud and clear, be on time or else. There was drama on River Road as Kelly had a gall bladder attack at about midnight and she and her husband and Grandma Cole went to ER because the pain was so intense. I "slept" with her kids and everyone was restless. We got everyone up early and ate breakfast and headed to the church. I experienced a moment of panic as we were the first one's there. No funeral home personnel, no pastor, no family...just us. I was fearful that I had committed the wrong information to memory, but then realized that it may have been a faux time given for my benefit. Needless to say, we were there bright and early.
I was amazed at people from high school who came to pay their respects. Many carved precious time out of a very packed weekend to attend and it meant much to hear their stories and memories and just to spend a few minutes with each of them. The funeral was perfect. The pastor of the small church that Howard and Dorothy attended for about 15 years knew them well. He stated that parishioners in assisted living/nursing homes have the time to get to know their pastor's better because of the organized visits and their slower pace of life. Pastor Cecil definitely knew Dorothy's quirks and characteristics. He had just the right amount of humor, hope and evangelism. I didn't hear that anyone was offended. The service was just the right amount of time and granddaughter Michelle read (and made it through) an excellent tribute to her Grandmother that spoke all of the grandchildren.
The gravesite service was touching with her grandsons and grand sons-in-laws as pall bearers. One bit of drama was when the Pastor was tripped up and fell against her headstone. He said that she would think it funny that his blood (scraped finger) was shed in her going home service. The weather was absolutely perfect. Bright sunny day, light breeze and perfect temperature. All examples of why fall is my favorite time of the year. The church lunch was enjoyable and Dennis was able to eat comfortably with foods that I selected for him. The foot is a good excuse for someone else to fill his plate. That may be a nutritional/dietary breakthrough for us. When going through a buffet line, have someone else fill your plate. They will get what you SHOULD eat rather than what you want to eat! Many people were starting their treks home so good byes were said and everyone went their own ways. Kelly and Grandma were exhausted from the ER night and Kelly's continuing discomfort (she refused admission because this hospital was out of network!)
River Road was quiet and I spent the afternoon chatting with Joe and whomever ventured out to the pergola. A quiet rain fell in late afternoon. A quick trip to Kendallville for medical supplies also included a trip to check on Grandpa Pyle (97) in his nursing home. He was remarkably smaller and more frail. He may not make it to his goal of 100. If he does, it will be truly amazing. Seeing him was just about more than I could take on this visit. I'm not sure if our visits to him are enjoyable or a nuisance. His inability to communicate without a massive amount of effort seems too hard on him. The house filled with the Cole side of the family for an evening meal and the medical theatre that ensued when Peg changed Den's dressing successfully. A nice evening with a full house and none of the drama that I avoid. (see earlier post)
No comments:
Post a Comment