Saying goodbye

Mr. Doodlebug, baby Doodle and I went to New York for my grandfather's burial. He was cremated and buried with his first wife (my grandmother who died when my mother was only 16). It was a simple, beautiful and meaninful ceremony.

Two military personnel held an American flag above the gravesite while a third person played Taps on a bugle a short distance away. It was very moving. My mother said a few words on behalf of her five sisters, four step siblings, thirteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and herself. Though she was teary she spoke eloquently about how loving my grandpa was. We said the Lord's Prayer and placed roses on the ground above the ashes.

We returned to my grandfather's house. We ate a lot of good food and drank. It was nice to be around so much family at one time. It happens so infrequently. I think of it as a gift from the deceased that so many people who love each other gather to celebrate the life of one person.