My Uncle’s funeral was today. As far as they go, it was quite a nice affair, really. Lots of pictures, including some old black & whites from his hardcore Jeepin’ days, all of his friends and family too. My cousins arranged the whole bit, including getting the Pastor from their church and he did a great job.
It started in the chapel, then moved out to the gravesite. Cold and drizzling, the congregation moved out under umbrellas and a single canopy with some folding chairs. The Pastor said a few more words, then the Funeral Director. People started back to their cars, slowly, to head over to my Aunt’s for the reception.
As people left, my Aunt and Cousins, understandably, hung back. I was talking with Dad, my brother and his wife while at the same time watching everything going on around me.
I was standing about 20 feet from the coffin. I looked over and saw my cousin reach out and drag his hand across the coffin while his arm was around my Aunt.
Sadness, to me, is one of the most difficult emotions to deal with. It hurts. And seeing my cousins and Aunt at the moment, was possibly the saddest thing I have ever witnessed or experienced. You could not only see the sadness in their faces, but feel it. It was very hard for them to leave.
My Uncle was one of the good guys. Always ready with a joke or willing to help. Always a gracious host as well, he went out of his way to make sure his guest were well taken care of and having a good time.
And he did, one more time, tonight. He will be missed.
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