Friday we had the services or wake I believe its called. When I arrived my cousin Tara had asked me if I could read a poem. I started reading it and made it to the second or third line before I started tearing up. I said, I cant Tara, im sorry, its too close to home for me about mom. My uncles and aunt couldnt read the eulogy so I did. Then after I was done reading, others came up and said a few words. I told Tara to read the poem, she was crying so I asked my uncle Tim if it was okay if Id give it a try. I had tears racing down my cheeks during each line. I didnt realize how hard it was until I looked at the video and could see the hurt an pain in my face.
Saturday we had the funeral and it was decent. After the funeral I went home, packed the rest of my stuff and loaded it into the moving truck with my Aunt Tina and Uncle Pat and cousin Kelly. Then at 630pm hit the road to Colorado. Unloaded the truck, walked to a hotel, showered, slept, woke up at 4am, hit the shuttle to the airport and flew back to Green Bay monday morning. Very tiring week.
Here's the poem that was selected and I tried reading. I did finish it, but it took awhile.
A Mother's LoveA Mother's love is something
that no on can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.
Helen Steiner Rice