it seems hard to believe the visitations and services were less than 1 week ago. a part of me feels like it all happened so long ago. last thursday the church where bob and i belong served as a wonderful backdrop for friends and family to come and pay their respects. many came; russ' family from galesburg, il., cousins of my mom's from pittsburgh, pa., friends of my sister's and mine, hospice staff, (3 inpatient nurses maggie,lynne and marlene, as well as janine), as well as friends of russ' from the chicago area. pastor dave did a wonderful job with the service, especially the homily. many commented later that they had never heard a pastor make the homily so personal for the family. somehow i am not surprised by this, he is that kind of man. he is the man that spent 9+ hours at russ' bedside his last 24 hours. i will be forever grateful to pastor dave.
there was a part for remembrances. 2 of my dad's friends that had carpooled with him during his tenure at sears got up and spoke. they had wonderful stories that showed the funny and lighthearted side of my dad. i remember them well as they were the 2 friends that sat with my mom and i over 20 years ago when russ had his bladder cancer surgery. they were a comfort to me then as they were at his visitation.
my niece kimi did a tremendous job in reading a poem she had written as well as reading the memories from the family. she showed such strength in being able to get through it without breaking down. russ would have been proud of her.
saturday in door county we had another visitation for all the friends that my mom and dad had over the past 30 years of living up there. prior to going to the visitation bob, the grandkids and myself stopped at the cemetery to see the site and talk to my mom. bob had just finished telling the kids not to stand too close as the ground was mostly sand when it gave way and down bob went into the 6' hole. we initially didn't know whether to laugh or cry but bob was ok, although no one offered to help him out for fear of falling in as well. i was thankful for all his years as a rodeo rider (he rode the bulls) so that he knew how to fall without hurting himself too seriously. we will have many years of good laughs from that. i'm sure my mom was giggling to herself on that one!
the same minister that did the service for my mom did the graveside committal service for russ. it was somehow fitting that pastor ken do both committal services for my parents. taps was played at the cemetery and russ was sent off with full military honors. it was beautiful. afterwards everyone came back to my parents home for some food, drink and remembrances.
for as long as i can remember russ had a trademark. jim woulf, a long time friend through work had given him a "you done good" sticker and russ adopted it and it then became russ' trademark. he would hand these out whenever someone did something worth remembering. it could have been as simple as being a good waitress, or to his grandkids when they were in a concert, won a sporting event, or did well in school. it was amazing to see how many hands were raised when kimi asked how many people russ had given you done good stickers to. many people across the world have received you done good stickers.
well russ, you made such a positive and loving impact on so many lives while you were on earth. i know in my heart that you deserve the biggest "you done good" sticker yourself!
7 comments:
Russ is still doing good though you. Such a loving daughter he had that he truly never dies. Your love is being passed as we speak not only to your own kids but to random kids like me. Thanks for being a good friend. Thanks Russ for raising a great daughter.
Oh Nancy, that sticker is meant for...YOU! It sounds like such a lovely service, both of them, and I bet you are glad now, that you did them both.
I alwasy wonder if we can 'watch' our own funeral? But I am always very curious about these things.
When we talk about people in past tense, it alwasy makes me feel...weird? Anyway, "YOU DONE GOOD!" Nancy, and I am so certain thet Russ "IS" proud of your Niece's Public Speaking too!
Always so hard.
And Oh My Gosh? Your Husband actually feel into the empty grave? No, you can't make that stuff up, and I wouldn't have been a bit surprised, if everyone didn't just crumple to the ground in heaves of laughter! Out of nervousness, if nothing else?
I will gladly E-Mail you your favorite "Fall" Photo (The red one) but it can't be copied, or reprinted, just posted for fun.
If you look carefully, you'll see the water-mark in the lower right hand corner. If you try to copy them, they turn out all funky colors. And blurry.
N.Mc. OOOXXXOOO
Nancy, You Done Good sweetie. You have done your dad proud. I am sure he is smiling on you as we speak.
I hope you can have a little rest before you start into all the hard stuff that still lies ahead. Will your sister be able to help pick up the slack?
Gentle {{{{{hugs}}}} friend. I am still just a phone call away. I know how hard it is to say good-bye to our daddy's.
Oh Nancy, as I was reading your post my eyes were welling up with tears and then Bob fell in the hole. I just busted up. Nothing like getting zapped out of a sad moment.
I agree with the others sweetie, that You done Good sticker is for you now.
I know things might get rough for a while now. Just know that I am always here for you any time day or night.
Nancy, the services and visitations sounded wonderful. What a kind pastor you have to stay with Russ so many hours and make the homily personal. YOU DONE GOOD, Nancy. I'm sure your Dad is very proud of you. ((HUGS))
You get a bunch of DONE GOOD stickers. That's such a sweet and delightful story.
What a story about falling into the open grave. Wow.
So glad you posted.
I think it's unanamous....you done good Nancy. Yes, I know, you were doing what you had to do. But you did it so well and with such grace and love. Bless you sweetie, for being such a wonderful gal.
Post a Comment