I've said it before and will say it again---there is nothing like a Lutheran funeral service. When Gordy died, one of the ushers took his service folder, tucked in his suit coat pocket and declared, "I am putting this inside my Bible for my family to use when I die. Just the way it is, except, change the names." Many hymns and wonderful Bible readings. The same is true for Andy's service today!
I left for church about an hour ahead of the service in order to stop at Publix for my fruit tray. The store in Argyle is not as familiar to me, so I did wander a bit, not able to locate the fruit trays. Finally I asked the lady who was cutting up the fruit where the trays were, and she told me they made them in the deli. Evidently, none were done up ahead, like I get at the Fleming Island store. Bowls of fruit will do, then.
The church parking lot was already filling when I got there. I was so glad to know we would have a good representation for the family. The ladies had things set up in the Fellowship Hall and tables were being laden with food stuffs. I put out my two bowls of fruit and Ethel stuck forks into them.
When I walked into the church, I was met by Mikey (Michael) wearing his acolyte attire. And the tears flowed. He was going to serve not only as acolyte for his grandpa but also as a pall bearer. I met LuAnn in the back of the church, and when she saw me dabbing, said, "Here we go..."
Andy's coffin was draped in part with the flag, which was later folded, and replaced with the funeral pall. So glad to see the pall used again---the last time was for Gordy's service.
Before I left this a.m. I had gotten a message on FB from Suzanne C. She was going to be playing for the service, as was Sterling. This delighted me! Her husband insisted she play and he took the kids to their sports appointments by himself. She played her viola, Sterling played the bassoon and the piano.
The pre-service music was just perfect, and Suzanne was true to her word, playing "Abide with Me" with me in mind. Fran and LuAnn had spent the day together on Wednesday, after Andy had died, planning the service. What a fine job they did! The sermon text was chosen from a devotion Fran had read recently and struck a chord for her: "I have fought the good fight...finished the race..." II Timothy 4.
I loved looking up at the hymn boards and seeing them crowded with numbers!!! We sang "Just As I Am"; "Amazing Grace" with Kristi singing portions as a solo; "Rock of Ages" (Andy was considered to be a rock in his family, where Jesus was the Rock in his life); "How Great Thou Art"; "The Old Rugged Cross"; and finally, with Kristi again, "God Bless Our Native Land", which we stood to sing. That hymns needs a couple more stanzas!
Sterling played the piano for "Amazing Grace" and did so quite well. I had thanked the musicians prior to the service and again afterward. Sterling was quite pleased to be thanked, as he was a bit apprehensive about it. He is a professional musician, but not necessarily a professional pianist---yet!
As the service was getting underway, I was seated where I normally sit for funerals, center behind the mourners. Many of the guests are not familiar with our Order of Service or the hymns, so it helps to have someone who is familiar nearby. Terri T. came in and sat on the far side of the church. She was having a tough time during the service, but I couldn't get out of my seat with people of either side of me. Later I said to her that it was probably good we sat apart or it would have been worse yet!
After the service, I went to join Fran at their table and we hugged and hugged. She is so kind and sweet. Fran said her family would like to buy some artwork to donate in Andy's name and asked me for advice on what and where to get it. She likes the pieces others donated in Timmy's memory.
I went into the classroom building and brought back the piece Rosalie bought for us. Greg Olsen is the artist and he captures the sentiment so well. I told Fran's son, Dennis, that I would send information and such to Mike so they could make a decision. Love being included in this project.
Of course, after crying like that, my head was pounding. Terri and I each took some ibuprofen, washed down with the Diet Cokes she bought us. We sat with Paul and Emily, who are beginning the process of adoption. This is exciting for them! Terri was going to head to the wedding shower I chose to miss, leaving her green bean casserole behind. I snapped it up, after the other leftovers were put into containers for the Kelleys to take home. I am nuts for that casserole!
Later, Terri sent me a text photo of Anne H. holding the wedding bouquet of ribbons and bows from the shower, telling me I was missed. Nice! I do not regret missing it, as I will see many of the folks at worship Sunday. Saw lots of Friday night and some more will be seen Sunday.
Justin had a lazy day off with his only assigned task being to empty the dishwasher and refill it. Paul and Emily teased me, saying I should go easy on him....Later, I did have him sweep the kitchen and use the Swiffer vacuum in the kitchen and my room. He accuses me of purposely soiling my floor but I aver, I do not!
As evening fell, I heard my neighbors on the sundeck so went out to join them. It was a lovely time, with a gorgeous cerulean sky, dotted with pinkish hued clouds. Miss Chardonnay had enjoyed the day more than the rest of us but Kathy was there to see her those few steps to her door.
There is talk of getting a yoga group started for The Club, since one of our Palace Owners is an instructor. Miss C. was not going to rest until I told her why yoga was not for me but she was not in the right frame of mind for my reason. No wonder she is such a good salesperson---won't take NO for an answer!
