Saturday, December 6, 2008

Saying Goodbye

Yesterday was the funeral service for Bear. It was beautiful, complete with a slideshow. And while I had seen all of the photos before, just seeing them up on the screen was so emotional and it made me laugh and it made me cry and most of all it made me love.

At the front of the chapel sat Bear's urn and photos of both Bear and Babybear surrounded by flowers and much to my surprise a Teddy bear holding a baby teddy bear. I didn't get a chance to take a photo of this but it was breathtaking to me. I was uncertain about the urn but seeing it up there, I found myself still liking it, which is a good sign. Bear's mom leaned over to me and told me that it was beautiful, and I think that was the most important of all.

After the service we gathered in the reception room for dainties and fellowship. It warmed my heart that so many people came to say good bye to Bear. Sorry, Bear, you were wrong.... people came to your funeral!

It both warmed and broke my heart to have so many people coming up to me and crying. It showed me how much impact my bear made on everyone, and I think it validated his life. Most of these folks were shocked at the speed in which Bear's illness took over. Some of them were not even aware that he was gravely ill, but thought he was just recovering from surgery.

I would like to thank everyone who came to Bear's funeral and those who sent their well wishes and beautiful flowers. I would like to thank all of you in blogville for reading our story and showing your support over the miles. I would like to thank the funeral home for putting together a beautiful service and the wonderful slideshow. I would like to thank Pastor for his kind and inspirational words. And most of all, I would like to thank Bear, for being my best friend. I love you.

9 comments:

Susan said...

Sounds like it was a beautiful service, honoring Bear's life. Thank you for sharing with us all... You are in my prayers!
Hugs,
Susan

Sarah said...

i'm glad the service went well terri and that you enjoyed seeing the pics of bryan.
know i am always thinking of you!

((hugs))

Monica said...

It sounds as if the service was beautiful. I'm glad both you and your mother-in-law liked the urn you chose. Big hugs to you

Dana Lucas said...

Oh how wonderful that B's mom liked his urn. Terri, you did a magnificent job planning his funeral, Hun. You really validated your husband's life.

And, you are welcome from the bottom of my heart!

Jo said...

Ter, I am so glad you are happy with the urn and the funeral. Were you able to keep a copy of the slideshow? And the teddy bear holding a baby bear.. what a CUTE idea!!! Do you know who got it? Did you get to keep it? I'll bet it's adorable!

Hugs!

Lexie said...

That sounds beautiful. I'm sure you overwhelmed right now and all of this will start to feel more real in a few days. Know that I am still praying for you, Honey.

Love mlpinky
<><

steviegator2004 said...

sounds like you got some good closure on everything...I glad things went well and everyone told you about how bear impacted their lives...same thing happened at my Father's funeral...it was very nice to hear the stories...and know he left a lasting impression on them...from his face on this blog he has a very warm and inviting face...looks like someone I would like to know...take care of you...Love Sharyn

Kasi said...

I am so glad everything went well, and that your mother in law liked the urn. Your always in my thoughts and prayers...(((((((HUGS)))))))

Joc(e) said...

I guess funerals can only be so "good" but it sounds like Bryan's was beautiful and honored his memory very nicely. Thank you for telling us how it went and describing it. (((HUGS)))