It was a pretty busy week with helping out with food shelf on Wednesday and art class with Genevieve on Friday. We did embroidered greeting cards that were a lot different from the ones that I had done in the past. We came up with our own designs and the cards were stitched freehand. Since I've been thing about getting going on some Christmas cards, I made a wintery one.
Yesterday was Dennis' memorial and it was very nice, although sad and tearful. I only wish I was one of those people who could control their tears but I'm not - my eyes water indoors, outdoors, and when I'm happy or sad. It was nice to connect with Jill's Aunts and Uncles and some cousins (a big family) many who I only met at Ben and Jill's wedding. They all traveled quite a distance to get here - an example of how much he was loved.
After the visitation, the Deacon said some prayers and then Jill got up and talked about the influence her Dad had on her while growing up. He encouraged her to be a strong woman with courage to take on the challenges of life and pursue her ideals. And she thanked him for the influence he has had on her children's, whom he loved with all of his heart. Ben spoke a little bit about how he was welcomed into the family and Dennis' influence on him and his family.
And then his brother Don got up and told stories of their childhood and how much Dennis loved fishing, hunting, golf, and being around friends and family. I certainly saw that side of him.
We went over to Lois' house afterward for a lunch and just to visit. I didn't stick around too long, it was standing room only, and I was ready to get back home - a long and stressful, emotional day.
