Funeral Day

Today was a day of funerals. Anne was so very generous to suggest that we have a memorial service for Glen today after her Dad's service. How can that not be the most unselfish thing ever. I really dreaded going to New Hope in some ways. I was prepared Friday to go today and take Mother and celebrate Uncle Edwin's life. He was a wonderful Uncle and lived a long and happy life. He and Carrie always seemed like a matched set in so many ways. When someone lives to be almost 90 years old it seems selfish to want more. Then we got the horrible phone call that Uncle Glen had passed away. It is one thing entirely to lose a wonderful Uncle after a long life but quite another to lose an Uncle that you had assumed would be around for many more years. That my Mother is now the flag bearer (Margaret gave me that description of Mother) seems unfathomable. She skirted at a near death experience over ten years ago and my siblings and I were prepared to face the worst. Mother is like the energizer bunny - she took a licking and kept on ticking.
I digress. As we were driving through the piney woods I thought of so many things and memories that were centered around Uncle Glen. He was always the Uncle that had an aura or mystique about him that made him larger than life in my eyes growing up. He was just above the fray of doing your chores and minding my manners. I don't think he ever scolded us in our entire lives. I guess he was the candy man so us as kids. Always fun and showing us how to have a great time. As soon as he came to our house we would break out the musical instruments and start playing the piano and singing and laughing. Margaret and I were laughing (via email) about how all the musicians in the family tune us all out when they get together. Glen was our rock star with his music. As we approached the church I was thinking - now how to get through this.

The most amazing thing happened as people started pouring into the church and relatives are hugging your neck and telling you how great it is to see you - even though it is for a sad reason. A kind of peace filled the church and we all took great comfort from our family. It is like a big warm feeling that can't be described. It was not a sad day at all. We celebrated Uncle Ed and his life and we took comfort from each other over losing Glen way too soon.
There were so many people there and some I had not seen in a really long time. I won't try to name them all but...Ellen and her husband Lannie were a real surprise. Also, Lynn, Janet, Ada Johnston and Kathy Hicks (both of Janet's sisters) were there. Lelia sang Amazing Grace and a fine fellow played the guitar and sang. Dan Padgett did a fine job of handing really two services in one funeral. Anne, Carl, Jennifer, Russell and their children along with David were there for Uncle Ed. Jennifer's children are beautiful. Tori has that amazing Riddle Red hair and Wes is a gorgeous Blond. Many people from the church were there too. Sue Cronkite is always such a great historian for the family and knows everyone by name. Wish I could say I did. We had a nice gathering afterwards and told many funny stories about Ed and Glen. Lynn had so many sweet and funny memories she shared with us.

I left New Hope today with my heart a little lighter. I guess it really does help to have a service to honor the dead. Uncle Glen and Uncle were honored by our presence.
We loved them both very, very much.

As were drove my Mother home she said - you know - I am not supposed to say this but I really had a fun day. She loved seeing everyone and being surrounded by the love of her family.

Keep all Glen's children and family in your prayers. The hard days are still very much in front of them.

WE LOVED YOU UNCLE GLEN AND UNCLE ED!
Love,
Frances