A Difficult Day

We met with the funeral director on Monday, June 3. Family and friends joined us there to plan the 'celebration' of Mark's life. Trust me - it did not feel like we were planning a 'celebration' at all. Mark's Obituary

Leigh and I spent some time alone with Mark, so did his sisters and brothers, and his girlfriend. We then spent more time alone with him, and it was very difficult to leave him.

Monday came and went, Tuesday came and went, and then Wednesday morning came. Leigh and I prepared for the wake and funeral. Numbness took hold of us, and it seemed as though we were carried along on the tide of grief and tears.

The service was beautiful. Our son, Michael, conducted the service, and friends and family shared funny stories, personal moments, and tender words. We also shared our witness to the our Lord Jesus Christ who carried us. So many small items were in the casket, placed there by family and friends - a hat, a crucifix, a small piece of crystal, story books - so many items which meant so much to him.

The rest happened so slowly, the trip to the cemetery, the graveside service, and yet it was over in a heartbeat. Again, it was so difficult to leave him. The realization we would never hear his voice, see his beautiful smile, share another meal with him has struck us both time and time again, and has driven us to our knees. Our cousin Janis call this phenomenon - "ambushing grief waves". No thank you by the way, but yet it happens.

This has been the most difficult time we have ever experienced, and yet we are so thankful for the love of family, friends, and our Lord who have sustained us. We hope in sharing this journey that your faith would be strengthened as well. God bless you all.