The wake was all day Thursday..it was a very long and exhausting day. I was shocked at the amount of people and the amount of support we had. It made me realize that whenever I felt stupid for going to peoples funerals that I barely knew...when you are on the other side...its very comforting to have them all there.
Friday was the funeral. The mass was absolutely beautiful...I stood up and did a reading. A lot of people wondered how I could have the strength to do something like that, but I had done it before at my Grandpa's so I knew I could get through it. At the very end...the bagpiper (the one that played in my wedding) played Amazing Grace....which opened up the flood gates for everyone in the church (including myself...I was sort of cursing myself for a minute for having him play...but it was absolutely beautiful). HE also played at the cemetery.
Then.........the fun began!! Yes you read right.....fun!! We had an ENORMOUS partayyyy at the homested. My Mom had spend $1k on alcohol and food. The party started at 1pm and ended at 1am! We had a band...friends...family...neighbors...its exactly what my Dad wanted (and often talked about....unfortunately he never talked about whether he wanted to be cremated or buried). People were doing shots that had never drank in their life..just in honor of my Dad. Also everyone had his Hawaiin shirts on..too funny. Heres some pictures from the party....
Here you can see some of the Hawiian shirts people were wearing
Ive been doing a lot of walking since that is something my Mom and I can do together. But it has been like 3-5 mile walks. I will probably go for a run today. I'm taking it one day at a time. I would love to say that I'm going to be ready to run a marathon in January for the Disney...but I'm going to take it day by day. In the end...I may be walking the marathon...which is FINE with me. Running takes so much mental strength which is an area of weakness for me right now.
Some other craziness that happened this weekend. My Dad used to love when Toledo would beat big teams in college football. (I went to Toledo...and he would always be the first to call me when we beat a ranked team). This weekend Toledo beat Michigan AT Michigan. It gets better though. My Dad LOVED the Cleveland Browns (As do I). A lot of people who did a toast to him...talked about One DAY...Possibly SOMEDAY...if the Browns ever go to the Super Bowl...they will be sad my Dad missed it. Well the Browns are not going to the superbowl... but on Monday they beat the Super Bowl Champs (Giants) by a large margin during Monday night football. All I could think about was "This ones for Dad!" It was so exciting.
Daddys Little Girl....Always Loved....Never Forgotten....I miss you Daddy!
16 comments:
Christine, I'm so glad that you and your friends and family were able to celebrate your dad's life in the way that he would have wanted! Best of luck continuing to get through this tough time.
Also, as for Disney, you know that I am going to be RIGHT next to you pushing you to do your best! Running, walking, doesn't matter - we will finish :)
good to see things are looking better for you and your family in trying times.
I also went to toledo. Always love to see michigan lose especially to the rockets.
Someday I want a party like that.
The party sounds like an excellent way to celebrate your dad's life. Best of luck with what will probably be some time dealing with your grief.
Your dad would have been proud of the celebration you and your family put on for him. He sounds like a first class kind of guy. I am sure he was celebrating with you all.
As for the Disney Marathon...Hey...it's Disney...it's all about having fun.
It looks like you, your family and friends celebrated your dad's wonderful life. I am sure his spirit was with you all.
My continued thoughts are with you all.
So sorry to hear about your loss but it's so great to see the life and spirit of your dad celebrated.
I'm from Cleveland (yay Browns!) but went to Michigan (oh well).
Sorry to read about your father. There is something special about the bond between a daughter and her father. I have a son and a daughter and I love them equally but my daughter has me wrapped around her finger. May God bless you. You will be with your dad again and what a glorious reunion it will be.
i am so glad you were able to celebrate his life... sounds like you have a ton of support which is amazing! i cant imagine how to cope with something like this - you are so strong!
I'm so glad to hear that you have so much support. I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now. I'm glad you were all able to celebrate his life with the party he wanted. I'm sure he's smiling down on you.
What a wonderful tribute. And what a way for everyone to remember your father.
what a perfect way to celebrate your Dad's life. we had a similar PARTY for my grandma this year (cocktails even flowing before noon!) And it was just the way she would have wanted it.
you sound so strong in a tough time... be strong, but its okay to be not so strong sometimes too :)
and the picture with your dad- perfect. just how he wants you to remember him and how i know he remembers you- happy and in good hands :)
Christine,
I have never posted on your blog before. I found it from Susan's blog and put it in my 'favorites' to read 'another day'. Today was the day that I needed your inspiration and I have been sitting here all morning, reading about your amazing life and incredible will. And then I came to this last post. I want you to know that I am SO SORRY for your loss, I am sure your Daddy was the most amazing man and you honored him so much with that wonderful party!
Sending you hugs all the way from Calgary,
Tracey xoxo
It's great that you all celebrated his life. I'm sure that it helped all of you with the grieving to remember the good times.
Thats nice and big party!.
Groet Rinus.
http://rinusrunning.punt.nl/
What a great remembrance for your father! My dad says something similar, and I always thought it would be so hard to follow through. Glad to know that it might just be what we all need
Christine, what a special way to remember your Dad. May you and your family continue to find the strength to get through this difficult time.
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