the funeral sucked. i’m wiped out.

by sucked i mean sad. the service was very nice. the kiwanians, all donning our blue and yellow vests, were marched in and seated after the others attending had sat down. we had two rows reserved for us in the front. everything that was said about don showed what a caring person he was and what a deep faith he had in god. the thing that really stuck with me was when the pastor said that he went back to the hosptial after don had gotten out of surgery, thinking the doctor would have told him there was nothing that could be done and he would be discouraged. he walked into don’s room and saw don laughing and joking with others who were there. he had been told his prognosis, yet his faith was so deep he wasn’t worried or scared. that’s the kind of faith i want to have.

it was sad, and by the end of the service i couldn’t keep my tears in. i think the worst part for me was seeing his wife crying and no one in her family really consoling her aside from a pat on the back here and there. i wanted to go over and give her a big hug. it touched me to see her walk up to his casket, place her hand on his arm and kiss him on the cheek. i gripped joe’s hand tighter as i watched her say goodbye to her husband and soulmate.

it’s hard knowing don won’t be around. i’ve gotten so used to seeing him at kiwanis meetings, helping with the concession stand at the park and at airport authority meetings. but i know i’ll see him again, and when i do i know he’ll be smiling and laughing.