We left Friday morning to spend the weekend in Chicago for my father's memorial and burial service. What should have been a 4.5 hour car ride turned into a 6 hour car ride thanks to my little monsters. They weren't as bad as they were when we moved down here but they weren't the best either. I seriously considered leaving them at rest stop...no, not really! ha ha After settling in at our hotel (I love La Quinta's) we went to my aunt's house where my mom is staying while she visits from Arizona. It was great seeing her again but sad because of the circumstances.
The next morning we headed down to the church for my dad's memorial service. It was amazing how many people showed up to honor my father. The service was great. I couldn't help but stare at the urn thinking about how my daddy's charred remains were in there. Gruesome, I know. I had to keep reminding myself that his body was just a shell and his soul is in a much better place. I still can't believe he's really gone forever! Forever! That's a long time!!
After the church service we headed over to the cemetery. Catholic rules say if you choose to be cremated you must be placed in a specific kind of urn (beautiful marble), get a certificate from the Catholic Church and be buried in a Catholic cemetery. It was odd seeing the urn buried not very deep and directly underground. I felt very detached from the whole experience. I refused to cry.
After the burial we had a late lunch at a local restaurant...all 100 of us! It was very nice catching up with everyone and reminiscing about my dad and the great days we had. Overall it was a great trip. I was also able to meet my niece and nephew for the first time and see my two oldest kids who I miss more than life itself!! I only have one pic to share for now but more to come...promise!
We returned home this afternoon. We were lucky enough to have the girls sleep the first half of the ride. It was a blessing from up above ;) Oh yeah, and I dropped my iPhone 5 and shattered the screen in a bazillion pieces :(
The next morning we headed down to the church for my dad's memorial service. It was amazing how many people showed up to honor my father. The service was great. I couldn't help but stare at the urn thinking about how my daddy's charred remains were in there. Gruesome, I know. I had to keep reminding myself that his body was just a shell and his soul is in a much better place. I still can't believe he's really gone forever! Forever! That's a long time!!
The next morning we headed down to the church for my dad's memorial service. It was amazing how many people showed up to honor my father. The service was great. I couldn't help but stare at the urn thinking about how my daddy's charred remains were in there. Gruesome, I know. I had to keep reminding myself that his body was just a shell and his soul is in a much better place. I still can't believe he's really gone forever! Forever! That's a long time!! After the church service we headed over to the cemetery. Catholic rules say if you choose to be cremated you must be placed in a specific kind of urn (beautiful marble), get a certificate from the Catholic Church and be buried in a Catholic cemetery. It was odd seeing the urn buried not very deep and directly underground. I felt very detached from the whole experience. I refused to cry.
After the burial we had a late lunch at a local restaurant...all 100 of us! It was very nice catching up with everyone and reminiscing about my dad and the great days we had. Overall it was a great trip. I was also able to meet my niece and nephew for the first time and see my two oldest kids who I miss more than life itself!! I only have one pic to share for now but more to come...promise!
We returned home this afternoon. We were lucky enough to have the girls sleep the first half of the ride. It was a blessing from up above ;) Oh yeah, and I dropped my iPhone 5 and shattered the screen in a bazillion pieces :(
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| Riley |
3 comments:
Hey hun,
I found your blog through the I Love My Online Friends blog hop.
I am such a fan of finding great new blogs and reading about peoples interesting little lives, so glad that I found your blog to follow now!
Looking forward to reading all about your blog adventures.
Oh and wow a 6 hour car drive thats crazy!!
xx
Gi
http://trialsandtribulationsofgthefatty.blogspot.com.au/
I like your Blog! Chicago is a great city! I am a new follower from Blog hop! I'm following for GFC, facebook & twitter. I hope your visit!
Namaste!
http://www.mamiholisticaygenial.com
I am a new follower from the hop. I am so sorry for your loss!! My dad passed away years ago and I understand the heartache. Hang in there!!
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