A Final Goodbye

 Today we said our final goodbyes to Sharen.  The funeral was lovely and it was good reconnecting with many people.  We only had a few mis-steps, which are kind of amusing:

Glenn and I first wrote the Eulogy with Sharen and Milt's wedding date August 8, 1965,  We later found a copy of the newspaper announcement showing us that it was August 13, 1966.  We corrected the Obituary, but forgot to tell Becky who was reading the Obituary at the funeral.  So she had the 5th in '65, and Gordon Smart had the 13th in '66.  Ooops!

I really should have spoken more with the member of the bishopric who was officiating.  I should have prepared him on how to say Cawood.  As it was, it brought back lots of memories of my last name being massacred before I became a Case!

 And the last was at the Cemetery.  Glenn and I forgot to tell everyone that we were meeting in the funeral home parking lot, and following the body down to the grave site.  Now, if her grave was not just a small walk down from the funeral home, this instruction would not have been needed.  As it was, everyone saw the tent, and just went on down.  Glenn and I waited to follow the body, but we ended up delaying the service when Emma fell off the curb and scrapped her knee.  She howled, and sobbed, and no one was in doubt that she hurt her knee.  She also decided that she could not walk with her bandage on, so for the next few hours, Glenn and I shared the duty of carrying her around.

Even with all of this, it really was a lovely day.  And these little things just added some good stories!

A Final Service & Taking Time Out

 Today was not easy for me, but was still filled with much joy.  Tomorrow we will bury my sweet Mother-in-law.  As her Daughter-in-law, not only have I played point on the funeral, but I also got to play point for her dressing committee.  This is something I have never done, and had never thought about needing to do. I have to admit to some apprehension about this, but all went well.

 We actually started the day out with some joy.  Aunt Lori flew into PDX this morning, and we met her and Aunt Becky.  They were both going with me to meet two other sisters to dress Sharen.  We had a few hours after Lori landed, so Glenn and Emma came with me so we could go out to lunch.  It was lovely to visit with them.  As we still had time after lunch, we found a park to let Emma play in.

 After we had finished dressing Sharen, something that I am grateful that I experienced, we needed to find some place for Emma to have a good time.  And Glenn needed some peace.  I suggested the Rose Garden, and Glenn liked the idea.  Once we got there, Emma was in love.  There were beautiful flowers all around, and while she could not pick them, she could pick up the petals off the ground.  She collected them in her hat.

 We found a nice spot in the middle of the garden.  Emma entertained me with her "flower show" while Glenn added to his Journal his thoughts on the past several days. I have been amazed at how strong he has been, and how much joy we have been able to share about his mothers life. It has been a special time even if it has been emotionally exhausting.

Our Little Sunbeam

 I got to take photos of Emma and her class today for the teacher.  Here is her class,and my little Sunbeam.  This is such a great bunch, however they were not all present.