The day after flying in from Hawaii and arriving in Chicago, we went to visit Peggy's family. We were able to spend time with her husband and two sons. We talked about her last days and the gift she was to everybody in her life. We talked about the times our families spent together since the kids were very little.
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Peggy's funeral a couple of days later was very small. It was mostly family and the few friends they notified.
There was a slideshow being played of her life, many I recognized as photos we'd taken.
When we entered the funeral home, there were two women who were watching the slide show. When they turned around and saw us, they walked over quickly and identified themselves.
Oh my gosh! Ann was a neighbor from perhaps almost 40 years ago. She'd left our village and moved to Florida with a new husband. Diane reminded me that she was the mother of our son, Keola's best pre-school buddy.
Uuuummm... Seeing as we were the only Asians there, I imagine we were easy to pick out.
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I could not believe it.
So young.
This is a photo of the two of them from the first of their pre-school days together.
I felt her loss as Diane tried to hold back tears. I was in shock.
We then spent time with Peggy's husband and three sons. After more hugs and a sad farewell, we returned home.
It was a sad, nostalgic, loving time and I was glad Art had made the decision to fly to Illinois so I could say good-bye.
Aw, sad story within a a sad story (funeral).
ReplyDeleteIt is posts like this that make me grateful to realize I've been blessed with a long life and now cannot be taken out early! I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice that you made the effort to attend and I'm sure it was greatly appreciated. My wife did a similar thing a year and a half ago to a friend of ours who lost their daughter way too young. These sorts of things usually make me realize how blessed I have been in my life.
ReplyDeleteVery good decision to attend -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to make the trip and have some closure.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made the decision to go. Things like that mean a lot...
ReplyDeleteIf you live long enough you are soon to discover that the goodbyes get more and more. But are we not lucky to have had thesepeople in our lives. Notice I can comment here if I use Chrome brower.
ReplyDeleteIt was a meaningful and important trip for you. Such beautiful photos and a sad story of the loss of her son. I don't even want to imagine that.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad and beautiful farewell.
ReplyDeleteEmotional visit and I'm sure it meant a lot to them. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you smiling in that picture! Incidentally, I had my own vertigo attack on Halloween and needed to be hospitalized at Kaiser. I was impressed how well they took care of me. I am home today. I'm a bit shaky but much better. Thought of you throughout. Have a beautiful day! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh.... Noooo...
DeleteYou were at Kaiser? How weird because on Wednesday night after not getting an attack since August, I suddenly got a close call while we were binge watching a series in a warm, dark room. I immediately got up and took a meclizine which I think forestalled anything worse. I'm going to be very careful from now on and avoid those same conditions because it's the second time it's happened that way. I wonder if you know what could have triggered your attacks. Please, please take care of yourself.
Dear Kay, Sending hugs your way. It was a very good thing that you were able to attend your friend's service. I feel so sorry for the woman who lost her son, the little boy you show us with your own little boy. x
ReplyDeleteIt's a case of some good and some bad. It's mixed emotions.
ReplyDeleteOh, my Kay. I think it's good that you went to the service and to visit the family. It means so much to them. But seeing parents from years ago, and then learning of another loss was a lot to ponder. It is so sad, that learning such things make us appreciate those still living around us. I was asked to do the eulogy of my best friend of over 50 years. Her son, grandson and their friends learned a lot about her from a LONG time ago! It was good to help in my smallest way. Hugz, Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThat's so beautiful, Linda. I couldn't have possibly done a eulogy without breaking down in tears. Actually, just a few family members gave their memories of Peg. I loved when her three sons spoke of how special she was for all of them. She was.
DeleteReading this, I am glad too that you went. These are connections you needed to revisit, and hugs you needed to give and get, and condolences you needed to express.
ReplyDeletePeace be with you.
These are the journeys we need to make- we may not want to but in our soul we know they must be made. Cathy x
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet tribute to your friend.
ReplyDeleteA very sad, poignant post. I am so sorry you lost your dear friend. Her family would have appreciated you being there. The lady who told you about her son, heartbreaking. Sending hugs and wishing you and her family much peace.
ReplyDeleteooooooh this is so sad, i'm sure it meant alot to everyone that you were there!!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to mark these passages -- sad and hard at it is. I am sorry for the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeletehi Kay; thanks for visiting me. I am so sorry about Peggy! Also Diane's son. How hard it can be for time to move so fast, the blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to go to Peggy's funeral, but oh my gosh. I cannot imagine a greater pain that losing a child. Poor Diane. I am glad you were there to give her a hug too.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the loss of your friend
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. It is good that you got a chance to spend time with Peggy's husband and sons. That will mean a lot to them. I wish you well dear friend, Kay.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, but pleased you were able to go to the funeral.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan