Mike's Send Off

Friday, December 16th, was a beautiful day for Mike's send off. It was a sunny day with mild temperatures. The whole day ran smoothly.
We met at the funeral home for a short prayer service.We then loaded in the cars for the trip to the church, which was less than a mile down the road. The church was filled with folks waiting to celebrate Mike's life. The funeral was beautiful, spiritual and comforting. Loved the music (including some Christmas carols- Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing), loved the readings, loved the homily...I found comfort in every part of the mass. And I LOVED the priest, Father Gavin. He was outstanding. He met the spiritual needs of Mike and our family, from start to finish. In the process, he spread the Good News to so many other people by his welcoming and faith-filled presence. Brendan did a reading from Ecclesiastes and Lauren did a reading from a Carmelite priest and they both did amazing jobs. So proud of them. Jack did the eulogy, per Sue's request. I was so proud of my husband. He captured the essence of Mike in a very authentic way. I posted the eulogy in a link on the right side of the home page...just click on Mike's Eulogy if you want to read it.
We left the church and drove very scenic back roads to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. There was a brief ceremony there and then we left for a luncheon at Ridge Country Club. There were many toasts to Mike and it was comforting to be there together. Seven of Mike's fraternity brothers came in town for the funeral and were there at the luncheon. It was fun to meet them, and attach names to faces...or should I say nicknames to faces. Here are grown men being introduced as Weed, the Professor, the Walrus, etc. Troll (Mike) would have loved it! Brendan's fraternity brothers were there as well. At one point I said to Sue, "This would be such a great photo opportunity. Too bad it's not appropriate." She replied, "Too bad you don't have your camera". Of course I had my point and shoot in the car, so I ran out to get it. Got some good shots of some of Mike's favorite people which I will post at some point. We invited ourselves back to Mike and Sue's house (for that is what I will continue to call it) and spent more time celebrating Mike. Again, there was great comfort in being around people who were also dealing with the loss of Mike.
It is still very surreal to think that Mike is gone from this earth. A week after his death, I think the reality is starting to set in.The loss of Mike leaves a big hole in so many people's lives. Gotta figure out how not to fall in it. We are praying hard not only for Sue, Lauren and Brendan, who lost a husband and father, but also Bucky and Grandma who lost a son. I can't imagine losing a child, no matter when.
God bless us, every one.