This is it - Funeral Day

Bleck. I hate it when people say, "Doesn't he/she look good?" when they are talking about a dead person. I always tend to think they just look dead. However, my dad looked not only good, but also healthy and about 20 years younger. Sickness can really age you.

I tried to tell Jacob how much better Pappaw looked but you could see his head thinking like his momma. I think it will give him a sense of peace to see his Pappaw. At least I hope so.

I heard so many stories about my dad yesterday - some new, some he had told me himself. It was as I suspected - he had always been a character. And a good guy.

Yesterday was a VERY long day. So much so that at the half way point, I'm sure I could have organized a band of merry followers to parade through the funeral home chanting, "Half way done. Half way done." As was fitting the life my dad enjoyed though, we had a good day in spite of the reason for being there. I'm sure there are many moments that will live forever in our memories of different antics.

My dad will be buried today with a nickle in his ear (the one away from the crowd) that Andi put there, a tribute to the thousands he had "pulled out" of his ear over the years.

Pappaw's oldest grandson, Jeremy will be preaching a service at the funeral today. I can't imagine having to do that.

Every since Atticus came to live with us, when I would come home from visiting dad, he would be all over me, sniffing as if to say, "Hey, I know that smell." It was sad to come home and have Atticus do nothing more than come over to be petted before laying down at my feet. I suppose even Pappaw's scent is gone if he can't smell it.

The best part of the day came in the form of a delightful 2 year old named Sophie. She is such a joy and social butterfly. She was playing with everyone, young and old. When she arrived, she had a huge medal around her neck.........

From the school Big Guy graduated from yesterday. He received the award for Top Student. Makes me even happier that we didn't ask him to have to decide between school and Pappaw. I'm sure he will do a wonderful job for our community.

I know I don't have to say this, but I'm going to anyway - your prayers would be appreciated today.