So many cards and notes from people who attended my Dad’s funeral. My sister opened all the cards, my Mom read them out loud and then I recorded them, my sister wrote the thank you notes and addressed envelopes. I searched for addresses. A tip for you all out there, please put your address somewhere on the card, we practically cheered when people did that for us.
The church was full, the Pastor said that it was the most well attended funeral in a long time. ( I have lots of cousins)
The cards are as complete as they can be, more are in the mail everyday.
So life goes on. I will head Up North soon.
My parents yard a few years ago.
Far Side
When mom died, my dad and I just split the pile in half and took care of it. I left the close friends and family to him and I took all the neighbors and acquaintances. My hand was about ready to fall off by the time I finished but my heart was warm from all the people who cared.
ReplyDeleteSomehow in all my self-absorption during the holidays, I failed to hear of your Dad's passing. I am so sorry. I read back several posts and was just so touched by your writing. I had never read Henry Van Dyke's poem and was so touched by it. My love and hugs go out to you, your sweet mom and the entire family.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful for your family to see how loved he was. It's the end of an era so to speak. How is your Mom doing? This must all be exhausting for her. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSam, It is an adjustment for my mom, it will take time. She has her moments when grief overwhelms her after all she was married to my Dad for over 72 years and she is no spring chicken herself.
ReplyDeleteAgain I am impressed how well you all are working together to do the things that must be done and/or are courteous to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks yous are so great. Today's generation doesn't even to bother for any thing or event. The backyard scene with you dad's hollyhocks made me feel happy and sad. His generation was a gardening generation and old fashion hollyhocks are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNice photo used to remember your Dad. Attendance shows the love and respect people had for your dad.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartening to know so many loved and cared about your father! So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI remember writing thank you after my Mom’s funeral. Finding addresses was a challenge.
ReplyDeleteIt's such an honor when the funeral is well attended. Though, and I say this tongue in cheek, in my hometown there were often folks who showed up at funerals just for the lunch afterward. When my mom passed away the church was so full we had people in the basement hearing the service over speakers and there who were turned away at the door. I remember being near tears seeing so many there to share in our grief.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to your mom- she's bound to feel lost at times. She's fortunate to have you and your brothers close by. I know you're all supporting her as she transitions to a life without your dad.
It is a tough time. It's good you have family around you.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good reminder about the addresses. I try to stick an address label inside any sympathy card we deliver in person. We had a similar work group handling thank yous when my mother-in-law passed away. About 5 of us opened cards, recorded, wrote thank you cards, and hunted down addresses. We managed to get it mostly done in one afternoon thankfully.
ReplyDeleteooh lovely hollyhocks...my grandmother had them in her yard...
ReplyDeleteOnly daughter of parents were the last of their generation. It was up to me to do the notes for everyone. I am the keeper of the cards. I bought decorative boxes to put them in and they are up on a closet shelf. It was a marathon, but it kept my mind busy.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers of peace for your family, especially your mom.
I'm so glad that your Dad's service was so well attended. Obviously many people loved him and your family. When my Mom died the church was packed, people stood in the aisles and outside where they hooked up speakers. When my Dad died the immediate family was there,(us kids), and a few of our friends, about 40 in all. That tells you the difference between them.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've had this time with your Mom. I'm sure she needed you there.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
A life well lived, a life well celebrated, another major passage in the life of a family. Some passages are hard. Sending caring thoughts to you and especially to your mother.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was a beautiful and memorable funeral for your sweet Bingo-loving Dad. May God bless you all.
ReplyDelete