On the Road for Awhile

My father-in-law, Walter, died on July 29th around 3:30 p.m.   Mark and I quickly changed our vacation plans and moved everything up a couple of weeks.  We headed out to the Minneapolis area the next morning at 6:00 a.m.


After 15 hours, we rolled into Champlin, MN and a gully washer of rain greeted us.  The next couple of days were busy finalizing details for Walter's funeral.  And, on Monday, August 1st at 1:15 p.m. in the cemetary's chapel, the viewing began.  At 2 p.m., the casket was closed and the service began.  It was a very nice service with about 30 people in attendance.   An Army color guard played taps to begin the service, folded the flag that was draped over the casket and presented it Carol, Mark's younger sister and she accepted on behalf of the siblings.


I held it together until three different times during the service.  First, the closing of the casket in front of everyone was very symbolical to me of the finality of life on this earth as we know it.  Second, was the playing of taps and the rest of the military part of the service.  And, finally, the singing of "The Old Rugged Cross" (one of Walter's favorite hymns).  This hymn was one of my grandmother's favorites, too and was played at her funeral 18 years ago.


After the service, Mark, Joe, and four others were pallbearers, walking the casket to the hearse for the brief ride to the gravesite.  Because it was raining and lightning, there was a very short prayer spoken at the gravesite by the pastor.  We all went back to Mark's Uncle John and Aunt Marion's house after the service for a short get-together with family.


The day after, we went back to the gravesite and Carol, Mark, and Sue decided on what inscription they wanted on Walter's headstone.   


The last 10 years have been particularly challenging for Carol and Sue since they've had to deal directly with Walter's sicknesses, operations, etc. not to mention all the moves from apartments to assisted living to nursing homes.  They can all take a deep breath now.
   
We spent a few days with Mark's family and are now in Pennsylvania with my Mom and stepdad.                               
Larry, Stephanie and my new nephew, Lucas (now 8 months old) came over right after we arrived and stayed for dinner.  It was the first time we met Lucas and boy, what a cute little guy he is!  


Had dinner last night with Julie, Ray and the boys.  Alex and Zachary look so much older and they are really sprouting up in their height, particularly Zachary!


I've been taking lots of pictures but probably won't get to upload them for another week or so.  


So, my updates will be rather sporadic until we get back home in Colorado.  That's it for now.