Time To Say Goodbye

It has been over a month since Grandpa passed away, and the day has finally come for us to say goodbye. The day started out wet, and we were hoping that the rain would go away before the funeral started but it seem to be getting heavier as we looked for all his photo and medals for his memorial. Finally, when it was time for us to head over to the church, the heavy rain lightened to just a drizzle. 

We got to the church and it felt a little odd when everyone turned around as we walked into the hall, but I guess some were curious as to what the family looked like since most have never met us. The requiem mass was done according to Grandpa's wishes, and it felt solemnly grand. Eulogy was given by Father Stephen Geddes, who peppered it with some interesting details that even we did not know about. The weather cleared up while we were in church, and the sun came out as his coffin was brought out to the hearse. The bishop and deacons said their final prayers as we all shed the tears we had been holding back, then it was time to head to the crematorium. 

It was a short ride to the crematorium and only a few friends came to see him off. I thought it was odd that Pearl asked if they could come to the crematorium, but I think only family usually attends this bit. He was brought into the hall with "Don't Worry, Be Happy" playing, and I think it lifted everyone's spirits. In attendance were Grandpa's old navy friend, his fellow inmates from Swannery Court, Ray, Pearl and Paddy, and Father Geddes saying the last goodbyes and prayers. Everything was over and "Time to Say Goodbye" started to play. 

I did not realise they cleared everything from the coffin until I saw the yellow rose and carnation spray outside with Grandps's name behind it. We did not really know what to do with it and decided to leave it with the church instead. We then head back to the church, where all the others had stayed, to attend the wake. I was really looking forward to the food because we had not eaten anything since breakfast and the day had been draining, however, we still had to "entertain" the people who came to mourn Grandpa. The were those who were genuine, and those who just wanted to get some gossip, but I just stuck to eating and whoever wanted to interrupt me, tried while I stuffed my hungry self. 

Once everyone left, we made our way back to the room and were quite glad that everything was done and all went well. Now we were just left with interning his ashes.