Okay, so my grandfather's funeral was today. I dread funerals and burials and the like. When I die, I want to be creamated, sprinkled at the lake, and I would like a short and upbeat memorial service with a great celebratory party afterwards. Funerals are just so formal and so uptight and I think it should be more of a celebration of what that person's life meant. (That's just my opinion...) Let me tell you, all we needed was Snots the dog and maybe Aunt Bethany running around the funeral home and the visitation this morning would have been "National Lampoon's Visitation Experience". Many, many reasons why and not enough blog time to tell- but it was crazy in it's purest form. The service in the chapel was nice with a few "odd" moments. Then we drove forever to the burial site in the Veterans Cemetary and that service was beautiful and short. I have not cried this whole time but when we pulled into the cemetary, there were 3 Air Force officers standing there saluting and I felt the tears start to threaten- but I held back for a while. Then, when we all got seated, they played "Taps" and 2 of the officers began the ceremonial folding of the flag off of his coffin and presented it to my grandmother. It's safe to say that I was just a complete mess after that. If you have never seen the flag folding and presentation you wouldn't understand. But the respect that those officers showed to my grandfather (a man they have never met) was so moving and they treated the American flag as if it were the most precious thing they had ever handled. I have seen this ceremony several times coming from a family with a strong military background- and it always moves me to tears. Afterwards, the family all went to my grandmother's for lunch and it was nice to catch up with people I haven't seen in a while and also inhale some good southern cookin'. (Nothing like it when a bunch of elderly Baptist women cook up a mess of somethin'.) I then went and got the girls from the sitter and we went home. The girls had to go to bed on time because they were acting like wolverines and Brian and I spent the evening talking about what to do about our lots and what our priorities are with the house and all kinds of stuff. I think we are beginning to see a little clearer now and I am sure that the major praying has something to do with it. ; ) Tommorrow I am going to try to take the girls to see the free movie ("Bee Movie") again because they did ask to try one more time. (See- I told you I live to be crazy!! I just ask for it!!) Then we have to go run about 800 errands, go to the store, get ready for the lake trip, clean the house and take the recycleables. Sure, it will all get done- of course it will!! Didn't I tell you I have a Superwoman costume just for times like this? ; )
2 comments:
I'm sure the service was beautiful...
Good luck with your lot decision...I know that must be stressful!
My grandfather had a military service too. You are so right about the emotions. It is touching. A nice relaxing week is what you need. Hope ya'll have a great time!
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