Funeral and Dinner

 There was a mass for Lucille at the Catholic church in Nauvoo.  Then there was a dinner at St. Peter and Paul school across the street.  The gymnasium was open for the kids to play in which was very good.  We had left all the kids at my mom's during the funeral and went to get them for the dinner. 

(I had to clear this with my mom first as she had planned on going to the funeral.  She was having issues with her leg anyway and had my brother Sam pop in as well).

  I had asked all of the kids if they wanted to go and no one did.  I figured it was best that way anyway so we didn't have any meltdowns or problems during the mass/funeral.  The kids had a good time at the dinner though.  Jeremy and I both thought it was too rushed but, the sentiment is what counts.  It was so fast though that Jeremy didn't get to look at pictures or the video.  I got to look at some of the pics but not the video.  I'm pretty sure we have access to those anytime though.:)

 I really liked Vanessa's shirt that day and I forgot to tell her.  

Me: "Vanessa, that is a really cute shirt!"

She's really sporting the cute little baby belly now! 

During the funeral Grandma Boyer had an episode and an ambulance was called.  Jeremy did pretty good at the funeral mass...until he turned around and saw his best friend, Chris, helping out with his Grandma Boyer.  He was touched that he had such a devoted friend who loved his Grandmas and him enough to come be by his side during such a hard time.  Awww, I'm gonna tear up just writing about it.  But, it was a strange moment, at the funeral for one Grandma and the other Grandma leaves in an ambulance.  Fortunately, she was monitored at the hospital and all seems okay now.  I know that whole family was freaking out for a few minutes there though. 

 After the dinner we all went back to Grandma Lucille's house to hang out some more.  The company was good and the memories were in full swing.

 Debbie and Karen started going through cards and memorials.  Lucille had many friends and family.  She had left little notes all around (like in her wallet) to let the family know how she felt about certain things and to reassure and comfort her family.  She was prepared in many ways.  Lucille had chosen to donate her body to science.  It was what she wanted and the family respected that.  She had left a beautifully written letter explaining why she chose to do so.  I had a hard time with that, donating her body to science.  I know that it helps many people for scientists to be able to do research on real bodies and it is a very noble and selfless thing for a person to choose to do.  It just made it harder for me because there was no body at the funeral.  I felt like there was no final goodbye. I have been to a lot of funerals (not a good thing) and I usually do my goodbyes and crying at the funeral where I can see and feel what is going on for closure.  I feel like there is no closure for me.  I'm not mad or anything, and I don't want to come off as callus, I am just stating how I feel.  That said, I am glad that as a family we could respect her wishes and do the things that she had wanted. 

 I really like Jeremy's cousins.  I wish we got to see them more.  It's usually for Easter and Christmas.  They live up by the Quad Cities and we don't get to see them as often as we should.  It's always fun hanging out with them.  

 One of the things I have enjoyed about this is the family bonds that have been strengthened by this.  In my experience, deaths in the family tend to bring people together and get us saying and doing the things we should be doing all the time anyway.  I hope I can be a comfort to those that need or want it.  It has made me a better person to be there for my husband through hard times like this.  It helps us learn, grow, and heal. 

 Chattin' it up. 

 Jeremy and I went shopping the night before to get something nice to wear to the funeral.  We also have family pics coming up, school Spring pics, Easter, and Spring school concerts as well so I figured one nice outfit would serve all those needs.  We went to Kohl's.  I forgot my wallet at home....stupid, stupid me.  So, I didn't have my Kohl's card or my Kohl's coupons.  DOH!  Jeremy just wanted to be done shopping and told me just to get what I needed and do it.  Well, needless to say, when the total came up we both nearly had heart attacks!! lol!  A whopping $601!!!  I am a very frugal shopper usually.  I never pay retail on clothing, I use coupons and sales, and clearance rack is my best friend!  That is how we manage to keep this family clothed.  This is a prime example of why I do those things.  

All that aside, it was totally worth it.  

We all wanted to look our best for Lucille's funeral. 

I am rather annoyed that I didn't get a picture of Jeremy and I and the kids though. 

 Look at how gorgeous she was!!  

The family put together four picture boards and a video slide show.  

Jeremy was at a customer's house the other day and the woman expressed her condolences. Then told him that she had seen the obituary in the paper and his Grandmother had been quite the looker!

  Jeremy thought that was a kind thing to say and he agreed.  

 Look at that handsome little lad!  

All in all, the day was good.  A big snowstorm held off so we could have a sunny and beautiful day to remember.  I think Lucille would have liked it.