Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye is never easy. And it wasn't this time. Daddy died July 9 and his service and funeral were on Monday, July 18, in Warsaw. Even though they had lived in Goshen most of their lives, the last ten years they spent their summers in Claypool at their summer home in Nita's woods. Mother was convinced very few people would come because it was so far. She planned the calling at 10 and the funeral service at noon. There was no processional to the cemetery, because it was so far away. But those who wished could meet out there south of Millersburg and pay their respects at the graveside. Because Daddy was a WWII Navy veteran, there was a flag ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and the flag was folded and presented to Mom.

Mother got quite a surprise when there was a steady stream of visitors, friends, and family, beginning at 9 and continuing until the time of the service. We wish to thank everyone who came. We were honored that you chose to spend some of your time with us on that day. It meant a lot.

We laughed a bit at Daddy's expression. He had a quirky mischievous smile that you can see in the photo in his obit. As he lay in rest, his expression was exactly that. . . the only difference being his eyes were closed. We were happy the mortician managed to capture that wonderful quirky smile we all knew so well.

It's been two weeks now and yesterday Terry and I took Mom and went to the cemetery. She had been wanting to go, so we went and I took some pictures. We are beginning to heal, although things will never be the same. I had my Dad until he was 91 years old. I don't know how people cope who lose their parents at a much younger age.

Mom seems to be doing okay. She has her faith and Nita lives up the lane, so she doesn't have to be alone. There is a steady stream of kids and grandkids of Nita's who try to keep her company as well and Terry and I visit often. My two nieces (my older sister's kids) and their kids have been down a couple times to see her.

We just spent four days there, camping in Warsaw and taking Mom out for an outing or two. She wants to go to Texas this year and clean out their place in Mission. She doesn't think she wants to go back then as she says their friends are mostly gone. We will see that she gets there and Terry and I will stay in our place right behind her as long as she wants to stay.

So things are changing and we are all trying to cope with the changes. It is certainly different, more so for Mom, but she has plenty of support from the family. She is much loved by all.

Till next time. . .

Dale