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.


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