Even though yesterday we put Charley’s ashes in the “good earth” (as his Uncle Olin referred to it), it didn’t feel like a goodbye to me.
Sunday, the day before Memorial Day, felt like “goodbye.” Because it was. It was “goodbye and I love you,” and Charley was still with us.
Thursday, the day of his memorial service, felt like “I’m really gonna miss you.”
Yesterday, the burial of his ashes, felt like … I don’t know … like “I know you’re up there and not here, but what else are we to do?”
In spite of the fact that I could barely see through the pouring rain on my way to the cemetery, the sky was dry and blue while the sun was doing it’s job as we stood around Charley’s little plot of earth.
And because this was real life and not the movies, I have to admit that this picture of Joey makes me chuckle to myself. You see, apparently Joey was a little too quick in the lowering of Charley’s ashes… too quick for our Uncle Wayne and his camera. So Uncle Wayne asked Joey to pull the box of ashes back up and then lower it again slowly so that he could capture the moment.
You can’t make these things up. This photo of Joey is Take 2 of the lowering of the ashes. That is sOoOoOoOo us. Charley would have been amused.
Uncle Olin’s words comforted me. It was clear that he had fond memories of his “Charley-boy” and Charley’s mother, his youngest sister.
I hope to be like Uncle Olin, Charley and momma all wrapped into one. Yep. God’s word hidden in my heart well, never losing passion in speaking about our Saviour and God, kindhearted, with a faith that will not be shaken. <3
Manny, I believe your wish has already been granted. Your family has a beautiful way of sharing His Light with others. Carry on! =)
Sometimes even the simplest of tasks demands a re-wind for posterity
Indeed.