Today was Craig’s memorial service. What a beautiful job the family did arranging everything and the preacher was so very good. She captured the essence of Craig perfectly. Craig’s best friend Bob, did the eulogy and did a wonderful job. I can’t imagine any part of the day being any better.
It was good to see the extended family that came. It was also good to see Craig’s best friends from Emporia that made the drive up. One of our assistant managers from days long ago that lives in Wichita came – it was so good to see him.
The family served a lunch afterwards and had lots of pictures on the tables from days gone by. What memories it brought up for me. Special day, special times, much love in the rooms today. It is always a good day when I get to spend time with all three of my kids. Just wish it could have been for a happier occasion. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories and shared our love with each other.
My kids are hurting and it was a hard day for them. Although Craig had been in poor health for some time, it is still hard to let him go. He was larger than life in many ways and the kids will always carry this pain with them. Hopefully over time, the pain will ease and the memories they have will help sustain them.
Nicole sent me a text last night around 9:00 of images of the Northern Lights she had captured. I immediately got in my car and drove out to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and attempted to take some pictures. I got a few good ones. It was amazing to see the image on the camera as the naked eye didn’t capture it. The sky had a glow to it but it wasn’t visible until I saw the image I took. What a sight. I’m so very grateful Nicole sent me her pictures as I had forgotten about it.
What a special treat for all to get to see the Northern Lights. There is a good chance we will be able to see them again tonight so Kathy and I and some friends are going to meet up tonight to see if we get lucky again. Who needs to go all the way to Iceland to see them when they are in our back yard!
I am really tired tonight. We got home from Wichita around 3:00 and Kathy and I sat out on the porch for the longest time doing nothing. We went out for dinner tonight which is a rare occurrence for us but I needed real food and was too tired to cook. I don’t plan on doing anything this evening except go hunting for the Northern Lights later.
Tomorrow will be a big day again as it is Tagen’s high school graduation and party. Doors open at 2:00 so we will need to be in town around then to get seats. His graduation party is from 5:00 – 8:00 so it will be a long day in town but a wonderful one.
Monday I just have exercise to go to at 2:00. I have a feeling I won’t be too productive Monday as I will need a rest and recovery day from this emotionally full weekend. All week next week is fairly light for me which is perfect timing. It will be good to kick back into slow motion mode and allow myself to get grounded and refilled.
The dogs did well with us gone most of the day. We had taken them for long walks this morning and they managed not to have any accidents in the house while we were gone. Hoping they can repeat that tomorrow since we will both be gone most of the day tomorrow.
Weather wise it was another perfect day. Light wind, temperatures in the high 70’s and bright blue skies. We have some storms that are to come in Sunday evening and into Monday and Tuesday but today was picture perfect.
Still sitting with my feelings about Craig’s passing. We had made peace a long time ago from the divorce and had become friends again. We shared a lot of life together and since he is the father of my three kids his impact on my life will always be there. I was lucky to have known him and grateful for all he is to me.
Grateful for the life and love I shared with Craig, grateful for all who are supporting me and my children through this hard time, and grateful for the presence of all that came to the memorial service today.