It was a pretty busy week with helping out with food shelf and the pet nail trim with Mary on Wednesday and art class with Genevieve on Friday. It was nice to see her again, as it had been a couple of months that she wasn't able to come. 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 service 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. I've always said that my emotions come out my eyes. It was nice to connect with Jill's Aunts and Uncles and some cousins (a big family) many who I had only seen 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, take risks, and pursue her ideals. And she thanked him for the influence he has had on her children 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. His sister-in-law Linda also had some loving sentiments for 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. I was in bed by 7 pm.
I made a big pot of chili on Sunday afternoon and invited the neighbors, Tom and Sue to join me for dinner. We had some great conversation and it was good to see them again.
