Reflecting on the memorial.

All the colors were surely a good idea.

The mood of yesterday’s memorial service for Charley was definitely one of love and celebration.  We all agree that the sanctuary would have felt entirely different if we, the family, had walked into a black  sea of mourning.

I couldn’t tell you if there’s a picture of me, Brian and Bennett from the service.  But let’s just say that I was actually asked if I could have possibly worn brighter colors.

No.  Not possible.  They don’t get any brighter… at least, not on this earth.

Regardless, when everybody stood up upon our entering, my tears weren’t far behind.

Almost right off the bat, a wonderful slideshow (set to music that Charley had selected) was played and we were able to enjoy photograph after photograph, reminder upon reminder, of what a wonderful family man Charley had been.  And while some photos were difficult to see (like the one of Charley fishing with Donovan or the one of him holding a smiling Bennett who was mere days old), I think that the imagery has done a fabulous job of keeping my memories off of his end days and instead is keeping them further back into healthier, happier times.

It’s either that, or my super power (my repressive memory) has already begun kicking in.

Similar to a wedding day, yesterday could not have zipped by at a faster pace!  Every time that I checked the clock, I was amazed that it was always one or two hours ahead of what I expected it to be.

In my opinion, the highlight (if there can be a highlight… which, yes, I think there can be) of the memorial service was hearing my brother, Joey, say a few words.  And by few, I mean that he was two minutes shy of a mini sermon.  If you’re fond of me even just a little bit, you’d LOVE Joey.  He’s got a way of stealing everybody’s hearts with his honesty and humor.  Twice yesterday, once by my mom and once by Mandy, he was accidentally referred to as “Charley.”  I’d say that that’s a good indicator of how much we adore him.  Hopefully I’ll soon be able to post the video of his “few words.”

Thanks again to everyone who has shown their support, in words or deeds, in prayers or meals, in flowers or cards or donations.  Our prayers are that you are blessed back a hundred-fold.