Today begins a two-week vacation for me (plus an extra day for the observance of the 4th of July) and, by coincidence, is also my Dad's memorial service, Skip and I are leaving the house early this morning to allow for the trip down to Cape Cod with an extra hour or so in case of heavy traffic. After all, we've hit the summer season and Saturdays are when weekly rentals switch over, so there can be a lot of traffic onto the Cape in the morning.
I am looking forward to and also dreading a bit the service. It will have a lot of music and a eulogy by an old friend of my parents' who is a retired Unitarian minister. I am very interested to hear the eulogy but know it will be very sad. Skip's companion, MW, offered to come along and help out since I'm going to have a lot of social/family obligations, especially during the reception to be held after the service. MW's sister is coming over to watch the dogs.
My siblings and I will probably say a few words during the reception. I've been thinking here and there all week about what I'd say and so far have some notes along the lines of "what my Dad taught me." These include things like how to wield an axe, how to drive a tractor, hard word won't kill you and how to age well. I'm struggling with how I'll get in some funny stuff and then some serious stuff without getting maudlin. Maybe, at the end, I'll not say a thing. We shall see!
Well, a million things to do before we head out, so I will wrap up now. Have a wonderful day, wherever you are.
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11 comments:
Best to you guy on this trip. My sister and I did the history for my grandmother's service. I made it to the end before getting cracky voice.
Be well.
Cranky - Have a good trip, and a great vacation. I hope your dad's memorial service is a fine celebration of his life.
Count at least one blessing, no oil on the beaches of Cape Cod. Smile and remember life is always good advice for memorial remarks.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick
Please go to my blog post from
Sunday, June 20, 2010
and collect your
You Are Beautiful Blogger Award.
"A Beautiful Blogger is someone who blogs with truth, honesty and integrity. They blog from their heart, sharing their story, humor, and life with others. They go out of their way to support others, giving of themselves to provide encouragement and brighten someone’s day. They glow with a beauty that comes from within, and it shows in what they write and how they interact with others."
love,
Herrad
I'm sure when it is over you will feel good about the whole trip. And whatever you say or don't (didn't now) will be just fine with your dad. I have a feeling he is very proud of you.
Your dad raised some good kids. You are, and will continue to be living testaments to a life well lived.
The last thing my father taught me was how to drive his huge, huge Suburban. He was in his hospital bed and this was right before he died. My mom was really tired and I knew I would have to drive her home.
My dad knew I was scared to death of that big thing, especially in San Antonio, Texas....
He said "Just take the front of the car where you want it to go and the rest will follow...." and you know what I got Mom and myself home, LOL.
He never came home from the hospital. My son and I flew home knowing he would die and he did.
Those memories we cherish and they live on in our hearts.
How are you doing, cranky?
I was touched to tears by your post. What a beautiful testament to your father. I am so sorry for your loss, but grateful for your story.
Hi Cranky
Hope you and Skip are doing well and you had a good holiday.
Love,
Herrad
To all - thanks for your lovely words, they meant a lot to me when you originally posted them and again, now, when I re-read them.
Herrad - you are kind to name me a Beautiful Blogger.
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