It began with a bit of meet and greet. When the guests were seated the kids and I then went in to the sanctuary, to the front row.
Kelley's "Tribute to Dad" slide show started. It was 14 minutes long, and in the background were the songs "In my life" (Beattles), then "Center Field" (John Fogerty), "Have I told you lately that I love you" (Rod Stewart), and finally, "Through the glass" (by Stone Sour).
There was a prayer after the welcome. The obituary was read, and stories of rememberance told.
A soloist sang "It Is Well With My Soul." A prayer then followed the reading of the Psalm 23.
More sharing of Paul's heartsongs (personality), and much mention of the prison of Alzheimer's, the fact that Paul has been freed from the pain and torment of confusion, and the attack upon his body. He was able to take wings and fly, thus the engraving on the urn signifying the Paul has indeed gone home. Then a gentleman played guitar as he and his wife sang duet of "I'll Fly Away."
The minister concluded that Paul has indeed flown away, he has gone home, but his heart remains here with us, and he has taken a little part of ours with him.
I stood as the pastor gave me a hug and we walked to Paul's urn for "my" time. Then the kids. Then the guests stood to walk up as the kids and I exited.
After we had a reception and guests got to enjoy the display board of pictures Kelley (with some help from stepdaughter) made to show several stages of our family life. As well as Paul's baseball mitt, boxing gloves, and a beautiful array of sea shells. It was all very touching.
Diana, you made me feel as if I was there. Thank you for that. It was a perfect tribute. It's good for me to read that - admidst all the other postings we often write about the difficulties of this journey we share. You have shown us that - in the end - the release is there and 'all is well....all is well with my soul". From the Hymn, "All Is Well". (which has lovely lyrics for us all to heed.)
Diana, thank you for taking time to post your tributes to your DH. when a member here loses their love it brings it all too close to home. best of luck, divvi
As others have said. Thank You for taking the time to share, what sounds like a beautiful tribute to his life. May you find comfort in all the love and support your getting from your family and friends, plus your web friends and family.
Diana, what a beautiful way to pay tribute to Paul. You are a survivor, and you should be very proud of yourself for a job well done, even if it wasn't a job we would have chosen. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing, we still care.
Today the last of the guests will be leaving.....and the stresses of dealing with insurance and social security begins. A totally unbelievable "issue" came up with the life insurance company. They succeeded in getting me very upset. I called our attorney (it was the day before the viewing, 3 days before the Memorial). Our attorney told me this was a common tactic, to relax, get through the week, through the Memorial, etc., and that I had nothing to worry about. I pray he's right. He really did help me to relax and focus on family, and all that needed to be done for the service.
I am looking forward to simple peace and quiet, though I really did love having ALL the kids here. Now I will decompress. Just so happens that my two kids begin Spring Break today so that gives me a week to deal with quite alot of detail.
Around midnight here, after everyone went to bed I put in the DVD of the entire Memorial Service. It was good for me to see again. I'm surprised, but it was good for me.
Diana
P.S. Since this all happened I've been thinking about Nikki a lot. Anyone know how she is doing? Anyone have an update?
That is right. I remember her posting a couple weeks ago (just before my DH passed) that specialists said her DH's problem was NOT AD, yet the worst part was not knowing WHAT IT IS? Yikes! Her kids are so young.
Diana, Thank you for the details of your memorial service. I think about this alot for my hubby. I know he wants to be cremated and never liked to be fussed over but he is a vietnam vet and spent 28 years as a firefighter. His entire adult life has be spent giving of himself for others and I want to honor that. I am Catholic and he was raised Methodist but never went to church. We were married in the Catholic church 35 years ago and he even received communion!!! We had a baby die in childbirth and he is buried in a Catholic cemetary. You have given me much to think about and I am grateful that you cared to share with us.
((Diana)) I am truly sorry I was not able to be here to lend you my support through this difficult time. Your tribute was heartfelt and touching. Damn, I just don't know what to say! I imagine you must feel relief that his suffering is over, but the ache, the missing, must be something God awful. Please know you are and will remain, in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Nikki
Diana, I am sorry for your loss. How are you feeling? Thank you so much for sharing the tribute. My heart goes out to you and to your family. May you find all the strength, courage, support and hope that you need. Love, Anne