of endings and beginnings

Early this afternoon, I was in Hinesville to say farewell to Bob's Mom.
Jerry Wiley had died on Tuesday, sometime in the early hours of the day.
Bob had found out that evening, after sending the neighbor to check on her when he had no response to several calls.
I found out on Thursday, via facebook posts.

Once upon a time, I would find myself on a karaoke stage, taking turns with Bob and Angela and Shelley and Donna and Sam, singing to Jerry. That was on those nights when Sam Johnson would be the KJ, singing favorites with his rich voice.
Jerry and Bob were there on that final night of Sam's life. What a fun evening, filled with song and laughter and smiles!

What a merry band we were on that warm night of April 19, 2009!
I'm so glad I had the thought to snap this photo.
Jerry doesn't even seem to have aged in all these years.
Now, as I told Bob, "I'm sure Sam is regaling her with "Green Green Grass of Home" once more."

The ceremony lasted almost an hour.
The minister used verses from Ecclesiastes about birth and death, beginnings and endings.
Tori, the elder son's wife, read the poem, "Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep".

*****
"Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
By Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
*****

Kristal, one of the granddaughters, played "Home", a favorite song by Daughtry.

*****
"I'm staring out into the night, trying to hide the pain
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain

Well, I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home, well I'm going home

The miles are getting longer, it seems, the closer I get to you
I've not always been the best man or friend for you
But your love remains true and I don't know why
You always seem to give me another try

So I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old

Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all and then some you don't want
Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all, yeah

Oh, well I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
I said these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home, I'm going home."
*****

At the end, two young sailors from Kings Bay performed military honors while the third sailor blew "Taps" for her.
Very nice young men they are. I spoke with them before the service, thanking them for being there. The leader and I shared tales of Panama, of Devils Beach there - small world, isn't it?
Bob had received the flag from his dad's funeral twelve years ago.
His older brother, Michael, was given Jerry's flag.

I was surprised that the gathering was so small.
Less than twenty people were in attendance.
Still, the ceremony was heartfelt and had the ring of being just the way she would have wanted it.

i thank You God that i was there.