In between the hospital last year, and going home a few weeks ago, she had resided in a rehab center where she seemed to rally. Friday, the rally was over and she awakened in heaven. Now, only Joe remains as patriarch of the congregation, and as his grandson in NC declared, Joe might easily outlive us all!
My friend, Rita, sent me a note indicating I would not see her at Bible study since she had an appointment, and told me all the other people who were not going to be there either. I had been toying with whether or not to go, wondering if the timing would work out for the funeral service and such. When I let Pastor H. know I was not coming, he sent me a text message indicating that class was cancelled for this week. And none next week either due to Holy Week. No worries---I get to see Rita for lunch on Saturday! We have had little face time recently and will make up for it dining al fresco at the Town Center!
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Judy J. had asked me bring a salad for the luncheon to be served following the service so when I left home, I was carrying a lovely glass bowl with me. Connie saw me with my bowl and asked what was up. I told her a good Lutheran always has a dish to pass, but usually there is something in it!!! Publix was providing me with their delicious macaroni salad which will present nicely in my Lutheran dish...
The congregation numbered about 45, just about equal numbers between members and the other mourners. Arlene liked to play bingo, several times a week when her health was good, so some of those folks came, as did a few of their neighbors. We got to visit with some former members, confirmands, of GS, including the children of Rena, who passed away years ago. I had seen them last at the wedding of Tony, who is Arlene's grandson, 8 years ago.
Debbie, Arlene's daughter, has poor health as well, took early retirement or is on disability at this time. Periodically over the years, Debbie's daughter and her family of five have lived with Arlene and Debbie in their cozy home but presently Debbie is alone in the house. Since she retired, she has been training alongside of the church secretary to help out in the office, which is great, having more than just Lynne and me. I used to enjoy the work but do no longer. Like working by myself at home instead!
I did work at home this a.m., before the service, putting the final touches on the newsletter and got it ready to be e-mailed. Also, I printed off color-copies for a few of my favorites who do not have Internet service, so they can see the pictures and graphics included in the e-mailed version. The one I send to Lynne for her to print at church has the graphics removed in order for it to fit on two sides of ledger-sized paper. The photos and graphics add much to the letter, do some of the talking many times. Someone donated a mess of ledger paper so that is what she uses for the hard-copied newsletter, as well as the jumbo sized service folders used once a month. Hard to fold those to shove in one's purse!
Arlene's service was very nice, starting with the hymn "I Know that My Redeemer Lives", which I struggled through. We sang the first two stanzas and the last two, not the 'where is thy sting, death?' ones. I sat with Carolynn H., one of our newer members, and I told her she would have to help out singing that one. She asked me how long ago it was since Timmy died, and I told her, "Yesterday...", and she nodded. Then, I told her it was 11 years, and she said, "It probably feels like yesterday..." and I said it does, especially when attending a funeral. It all comes back, with the same happy ending for our loved ones who die in faith.
The other hymns were "Just As I Am" and "For All the Saints". "For All the Saints" is quite easy for me to sing, despite the text. For some reason, that one does not stop me in my tracks. And we sang "Alleluia" before Lent was over...I am sure it's okay when it's for a funeral.
The Fellowship Hall is under renovation so the middle room in the classroom building is used for meetings, some Bible studies, fellowship, and now, funeral luncheons. It was crowded, hard to move around between tables once people were seated. (It was since decided to not set up as many tables for Easter breakfast) The food was available in the hallway which worked out okay. And there was plenty of it! Besides the sandwiches which Judy C. and Betty put together, there were the donated salads and fruit, and the desserts! I took seconds on the creamy fruit salad that Fran brought, instead of having dessert. Judy J. sent home a container of her baked beans for Justin and I to have for dinner.
As we sat at the table talking during the luncheon, Ethel and Darwin were across from me, Carolynn and Bonnie on each side. Ethel said she would like a service like Gordy had, lots of hymns. I mentioned how Jennifer, a former member, and I helped each other sing at Gordy's funeral. I had promised Terri T. that I would sing out as Carol had told her to listen for my voice to help bear her up. (Yikes, Carol!!!) Jennifer and I decided we would help each other, as I knew I would falter on "In Christ Alone" and she needed help on another hymn. Ethel remarked how great it was that Jennifer and I were there for each other, and I said, "That's what Christian friends do---we help each other sing!"
Once I got home after the funeral and luncheon, I was bushed, so I took a nap. Less than 30 minutes in length but out like a light! I had to reset my computer to catch the portion of the program I had slept through. Whew! Not sure why I was so tired, unless it was from the fruit salad. Justin was working for his father today and called me before coming home, wondering what was for dinner. Baked beans, of course!
Actually, he offered to make a dinner of pork chops and spiced apples, if I didn't mind waiting until after Bible study to eat. I was fine with that, since I was full yet from the late afternoon luncheon. He bought a container of the spiced apples when he went shopping on Tuesday night and it made a lovely dish for us. He browned the chops and simmered them with the cinnamon apples over the top. There was enough left for Betty G. and I to have for dinner tomorrow night when she comes. Nice!
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