Grammies Good bye
Again it was Dad and Joi who were out of the house first. Since really they were the ones that needed to be there first. Then again, it still seemed that we seemed to be there shortly after. I don't know if there were people there before we got there, if anything it was just a few. When we did arrive, I noticed Dad was walking around outside. Mom said it was his way of coping, and I guess she was right.
Again entering the church wasn't the hard thing. Walking down the hall, it seemed like the longest walk in the world. And then we were there, turning that corner once again, but this time seeing Gram lying there. As soon as we walked in, at least for me my eyes filled with tears. Seeing her there, it was so hard, walking closer and closer, and then looking down at her just laying there. It was again one of those I can't believe its happening moments, and it wasn't a good one either. It was the hardest thing, and I think at that moment is when I realized why my dad was walking outside, because seeing there and being there was just so hard to take in.
I guess since we had gone through this just a month before it seemed well, like it had just happened. I think the hardest thing for dad was all of Gram's siblings coming in giving hugs, both crying. It was just to hard to believe. He was in line saying hi and thank you to all the people who knew Gram or wanted to show their sympathy, but I do think the hardest was all of her siblings. It again was one of those moments where it was like, I didn't want to see you this soon, so please don't take offense.
Well, I also think it felt as though it had just happened, because it was the same church, the same time, just about same everything, you know besides there being a few switches in names it did seem about the same. Yes there were different people there, and yes we were wearing different clothes, but can you blame me. All that was really different was that this time it was Grammie laying in the casket instead of Grampie. Both of which equally hurt.
The ceremony started just a little after 11 I believe. Started with a family prayer from Lynn (Gram's brother-in-law) and then we all got to say our one last good byes before closing the casket. You know I think by this time I thought I was done with crying, I think the tears had dried, but as soon as we all walked up to Grammie, the water works started coming once more. Now can you really blame me? Like I said before it was hard enough saying good bye to Grampie, the fact that we were now saying good bye to Grammie was even harder.
Then again, when you think about it, most of us were crying. It was our one last good bye. Once that was done, they put on the cap, and closed up the casket. We then proceeded into the chapel to start the ceremony. Gram was right in front, and the ceremony proceeded. There was the prelude & postlude, the opening song. Then Will did the Invocation and Joi did the life sketch. Then there was a musical number by Gary and then the Grandchildren Memories. Then dad's Aunt Drew did the tribute. It was nice to hear some of the stories from when she was younger. Mom said some of the camping ones may have been a warning if she had known. Then there were good stories that Drew told from each of Gram's siblings and it was nice to hear all of them. After that Bri and Alyssa played a piano duet, there was a speaker. Afterwards there was the closing remarks, and then all of the grandchildren got up and sang "A Child's Prayer".
Once we were done there we all got into cars and were headed to the Cemetery. What a long drive. One of those that seemed to take forever. This time we all seemed to be in our own cars, the Wades were all together in one, the Shirley's may have been in a few cars, and I think the Allertons took a ride along with them since there were fewer then last time. I guess the one good thing was that at least this time we kind of knew where to go. Up this street, turn here, left here, and a long drive later, and back again at the same spot as last time.
Once we got there it was a shock as to how cold it was. You know, us California girls, we're so not use to the snow and the extremely cold weather. And I don't know if I mentioned, but this time I forgot my big jacket, so I was a little colder then usual, well more then a little, I was freezing. Not use to how cold it was, in a skirt, and a shirt that could have been warmer. I was a little cold, but was going to bear it out. 
This time was a little different, since Gram didn't have the National Guard that made her ceremony a little different. Although she did have a sibling tribute. All of her sisters and brother went up and left a rose on her casket and said their good byes once more. I know it must have been hard for them too, losing their sister, and her being the first to go. One of those hard things that is hard to deal with. Then Dee dedicated the spot to Gram, there was some music that played, and then they lowered her casket into the grave.
I think this time we were a little more aware that it was going to happen, where last time it was more of a surprise that we could. Once they did that all of us were again given a rose to drop in the grave to say our good byes again. For a second there I didn't want to let go of my rose, I didn't want to say good bye, but I knew that I had to. It was for the better. This time though it wasn't just the Grandchildren that dropped in a rose, it was also the children. We each took a rose to keep and then were headed back to the Church.
This time I have to say it really was a lunch in. There were different potato dishes, rolls, chicken, and of course dessert, this time was a little easier for Joliene, a few more choices of what she could eat. During this lunch in, Grams siblings handed out something to dad and his sisters, something to make the process a little easier. They each got a clock, and I guess some sort of saying or quote that went along with it as well as a card. It was very nice and very thoughtful. ♥
During the lunch in a few of Gram's siblings had come over and chatted with us for a while, want to catch up some say a few nice things. Then it seemed that all at once they were all around us, some having to say good bye and others like I said coming to catch up. Then slowly we had to start leaving. I guess it had kind of been a long morning, and the church needed to start cleaning up and we needed to be clearing out.
Then it seemed like all of us were at Grams house. Well at least more then expected. I know Drew and her husband came by because they were now taking Ceaser into their care. Lucky for her we had all of his stuff gathered together and ready. It seemed that even Ceaser was ready, at least ready for a ride, he went straight into the carrier without any fuss. I don't think she expected so much stuff, all the food, and the toys. Yeah, it didn't seem like Gram was kidding when she called Ceaser spoiled, because yes he was!
The big crowd did eventually calm down. Some needed to get back out on the road. Packed away, a car full of all Ceaser's goodies. Hope that Ceaser enjoys his new home and new family. Then sorry to say it was time to get out of those stockings. At least for me it was a I need to get out of them. Well, actually they were my second pair of the day, and as I was putting them on I ripped them. Oops! Still wore them since my skirt covered it, but a couple inches down more and I would have been in trouble. Stuck it out, but sorry to say I am not a big fan of nylons or skirts, especially when I know my jeans could keep me plenty warm.
I think though, many were close to follow. Pants, in this snow and cold keep legs much warmer then a skirt ever would, no matter the length. Pants will always win in my book. I guess though that after that there were a few decisions that needed to be made like, what we were going to do the rest of the night. Wanted to do something simple and easy for dinner and also wanted to plan to have a little fun.
I believe there was also a discussion of what was happening the next day, going through a few of Grams things, and then Joliene was also leaving so there were some other things that should happen before she leaves. Go through the jewelry and other things like that. Decisions for the night was pizza and games. Dad would go for any pizza as long as there was no ham or pineapple, and Joliene would eat it as long as there wasn't any meat on it. Good thing, we ordered four or five pizzas and all different types. Everyone was happy, and everyone was also allowed a bread twist.
Then it seemed like everyone separated into different corners, or at least a little bit. I know when Bri and Will came they also brought a few games, but I don't actually think we even touched them. There was a table group playing Egyptian Rat King in the kitchen, but there were also some in the office, talking here, chatting there, in the bedroom, and in the living room. Everyone seemed to be scattered. I guess though it was what was important and what a person may have wanted to do.
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