It turned out beautiful.....what can I say?

It began with meeting and greeting in the foyer. Once the guests were seated the kids and I then went in to the sanctuary, to the front row.

Kelley's "Tribute to Dad" slide show started. It was 14 minutes long, and in the background were the songs "In my life" (Beattles), then "Center Field" (John Fogerty), "Have I told you lately that I love you" (Rod Stewart), and finally, "Through the glass" (by Stone Sour).

There was a prayer following the welcome. The obituary was read, and stories of rememberance told.

A friend named Eldon (whose MIL has AD and lives with he and his DW) a soloist, sang "It Is Well With My Soul." A prayer followed the reading of Psalm 23.

There was more sharing of Paul's heartsongs (personality). There was significant mention of the prison of Alzheimer's, and how Paul has been freed from the pain and torment of confusion, and the attack upon his body. He was able to take wings and fly, thus the engraving on the urn signifying Paul has indeed gone home. Then another man played guitar and with his wife (btw, she was pianist also) sang duet, "I'll Fly Away."

The minister then concluded the memorial praising that Paul has indeed flown away. He has gone home, though the spirit within his heart remains here with us, and he has taken a little part of ours with him.

At the conclusion the pastor gave me a hug and walked with me to Paul's urn for "my" time. Then she asked the kids to come up. She then invited the guests to walk up as the kids and I were escorted from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall.

After we had a reception and guests got to enjoy the display board of pictures Kelley (with some help from stepdaughter) made to show several stages of our family life. As well as Paul's baseball mitt, boxing gloves, and a beautiful array of sea shells. It was all very touching.

Oh Diana, it sounds like it was an absolutely beautiful service. Yes, Paul's spirit is now flying on the wings of eagles, free at last. Now how are you holding up?

Dear Diana,
It does sound wonderful. I do hope you and your Family are finding peace, strength and acceptance through the sharing of such a wonderful life. The Children are to be commended, for putting such love in their tributes.
I do hope you are doing well, also.

It all sounds so nice Diana. I along with Lori and Maebee hope you are doing ok.

Paul is now free.

That sounds lovely.

What a lovely service. You and the children remain in my prayers.

It sounds as if all went well with the memorial for Paul. I do pray that you and the kids are coping with your loss.

You are in my prayers.

Diana,
I want to extend my condolences to you and your family on the passing of Paul. I know this has been a long journey for you. The services sounded beautiful. What a wonderful send off to a wonderful man. Please know that I'm thinking of you and hoping this finds you in a bit of peace. I'm sorry this is so very late, but I have been recovering from knee surgery, and haven't had much energy to sit and compute.

Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please come and join us anytime, and we will help you through this as much as we can. And we can of course always use your expertise.

Jackie

Oh Diana; The services sound lovely, as lovely as they can be. You are one tough cookie, and I am glad you have the support of your children, that must bring some comfort. I was out-of-town for about 10 days, visiting my Mom, so I just saw this.

Your family are in my Thoughts & Prayers. And your Dad is now in an actual Quilt-Panel. I can't wait to 'see' them!

Dearest Diana,

What a beautiful way for people to say goodbye to Paul. He soars now, free from this horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

Joanie