My brother is serving in Afghanistan. He tried to get home for the funeral. Due to a sandstorm delaying his flight out he did not make it. He just landed in Atlanta this morning. The funeral was yesterday.
The funeral home handled everything wonderfully. I want to Thank them and all of those who have sent prayers up for my family.
I want to thank my hubby who had to work and was not with me until Thursday night, but he called me every night to make sure I was ok. Asking if I needed anything. Then him just being here made me finally realize what was happening. I was trying not to think of everything. Even though my other brother was here all week with his family, and we had extended family in as well.
Every year, for as long as I can remember, we have had a family reunion on the second saturday in October. This year we decided not to have it because of the condition that pawpaw was in. He had a massive stroke in July. So things have been not that great for a few months. Well, last weekend would have been our family reunion. Even in death, he got us all together at the time of year that he always wanted us together.
My dad was the one to deliver the message at the funeral. That took strength. To preach your father's funeral takes an unknown amount of strenght to do. I know that God was with him while doing that.
My cousin Patrick had the honor of opening the ceremony by playing the National Anthem on his trombone. He done a wonderful job! We had just come in from a family prayer, which was really emotional. I don't see how he got through that, either. Patrick also had put together a slideshow of photos from pawpaw's life. They were wonderful to look at and remember some of those days.
At the graveside, I had the honor of opening up with TAPS on my trumpet. My grandpa was a very patriotic man. He had 4 HONORABLE discharges from the military. One from the 3C's, one from the Marine Reserves, One for the Army in WWII, and one from the National Guard. His graveside was military based. My brother's are both in the Army. The one that was there is Airborne, and was in his dress uniform. he looked sharp!!!! The military guys folded the flag. There was an error and some red was showing, so they redone it. But they handled it wonderfully. Then they closed with TAPS as well. Theirs was different from mine. They had a pre-recorded thing inside of the trumpet that played it for them, but it was still wonderful. When they played their TAPS, my pawpaw had wanted all vets to stand and salute the flag. I really think they were saluting him. It was a crazy wave of emotions. Then as the flag had been folded, it was presented Military style to my father. He was the oldest child. Another wave of tears hit me as I saw the pain of losing his father in his eyes. There was also pride and honor there.
All-in-all it was a beautiful service. I am glad that it is over. I am glad that he is out of pain and is with my granny again. I can see that reunion. I am sure that he is catching her up on everything she has missed in the past 15 years. He loved her dearly. I am glad they are finally together again. I know that he is too. I will miss him greatly and love him always.
I am lucky to have such a wonderful and loving family.
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