The Perfect Burial Day

 I am so grateful for the people who show up in the difficult times.

God blessed me with truly wonderful in-laws. All of my sisters-in-law would agree – my father-in-law was funny, protective, fiercely loving, and genuinely dedicated to bringing family together – and welcoming new members all the time. With an already large family, he just kept opening his heart.

He let me come in and work on his sink one time – he thought we were joking, but he let me (under my husband’s supervision …). 

He was having trouble with his computer and couldn’t figure out why the sound wasn’t working. My husband was looking, too. I asked if I could look … he rolled his eyes … but I found a volume dial ~ and we laughed a lot. 

He taught my husband how to be a good father. He taught him to be strong in his faith. He taught him to be patriotic. I’m thankful that he was my husband’s father.

In his last days, God allowed me to bring the Eucharist to my father-in-law. In those precious moments, I had the honor of seeing his reverence and his quiet and steadfast faith. He always stood up, no matter how much pain he was in. He stood up to receive the Eucharist and he remained standing in silent prayer. 

In the last few weeks, when I visited him alone … I appreciated how we could just talk. 

After they moved back home, our conversations were … slower. They were thoughtful. They were so very patiently fatherly.

Today, we buried him – on a beautiful, sunny Thursday – Saint Joseph’s Day. 

While his funeral Mass was on Monday … during a blizzard warning, the cemetery was unable to open the grave, so we had to wait until today – which turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day. 

Our very dear priest friend reminded me that today was a good day – St. Joseph, such a strong father figure and loving spouse is celebrated today. And, so, it seemed fitting. 

So many people that I work with showed up to his funeral Mass, and friends from so many walks of life came to his visitation – hugging me and my family when we needed that love. The night of the funeral, a friend stopped by unexpectedly – just to give me a hug. One of my friends sent flowers, several sent cards.

My VFW Post 5040 Honor Guard friends collaborated with the U.S. Navy to ensure military honors were provided. Davenport Funeral Home was truly kind, helpful, and caring throughout. 

People are good. 

My father-in-law was good.

I pray that my children will remember the goofiness he brought … and the values he instilled in those who knew him. I pray they carry his love with them … knowing how much he loved them.