Thank you all
 

I got home safely...but tired. It was a fast trip that seemed to be so long. Funerals are so weird... my grandfather died and I am so sad. I loved him Very much. He was one of the foundations of my world and, though the foundation is shaken, he built it strong and it stands steady.
BUT...I saw cousins and aunts and uncles that I love as much, and was so glad to see and hug. We haven't seen one another in many years, though we keep in tenuous touch, and it was good to hear my name called out over and over again in the accents of my childhood and the voices of my family.
Grandpa's funeral was very simple. He had planned the whole thing and made sure that there was no cost to us. He left very explicit instructions which were followed to the letter. The speaker ( his church has no preacher) spoke and then the Army guard came in to fold the flag ( Grandpa was a WWII vet)and then there was Taps...always makes me cry very hard... and then all of the kids , grandkids, great grandkids and great great grandkids ( and Kathy...my dear friend) joined hands around the casket and sang Amazing Grace. At the graveside my cousin gave a very moving and very personal prayer ( the graveside service was family only) and we were done. We went back to Grandpa's house for the ton of food that the churches provided and we stayed up talking until ...way too late. So I am late getting home, but filled with bittersweet feelings.

Then I come here and see all the kind words and I am overwhelmed by the love and support I feel.
Thank you all... I will try to get on tomorrow and check in again. Thank you all so much. You make a hard time a little easier and I cannot tell you what it means to me.
:grouphug:

( and the news that Lara is okay could NOT have come at a better moment. I am so relieved and happy about that)

Awww, Ducky. The service sounds just perfect -- exactly what your Grandfather wanted. So nice that he left instructions to make things easier for his family. And taps, yes, that evokes so many emotions that bring flood our eyes with tears.

I'm happy you were able to reconnect with your extended family. Thanks for checking in to let us know you are back home. Hugs to you, sweetie. :hug:

...I hope you can get some rest ducky....:hug: glad your home safe...

It sounds like he died the way he lived .....he took care of business. I know you'll miss that lovely man and I know also that you'll be warmed by the memories he left you. :hug:

*whisper....the holidays are almost behind us. :( :grouphug:

My friend, you have such a loving family bond - I can feel it all the way up to Canada! :hug: How is the kid? I hope he understands and... surely he feelsthe love and it will carry on through you, his special mom!

:hug: Addy

hi my duck l'orange...

can't think of the right words to say but you and the kids are in our thoughts...

you'll always have family in us...

grandpa sounded like such an awesome guy...thanks for sharing him with us...

much love to you and the kid...please give him a gentle hug from us, and a feathered hug from us to you...