A long day of emotions

 

Immediate family wore full black,
Coffin bearers wore white shirt and black bottoms,
with black silk ribbon pinned around their arms.
Others wore dark colored clothes.

The air thick with sorrow,
hearts heavy with grief,
candle smoke filled the air,
prayers aloud sounded.

The final preparation of the coffin,
brought tears to everyone's eyes,
with his children huddling around the coffin,
sobbing uncontrollably,
seeking his face, just one more time.

The church wardens insisted,
on having the honor,
of carrying the coffin from the house to the hearse,
the journey,
though short,felt like a long one,
with family and friends alike trailing behind.

The church was packed,
a significant sign of the legacy he left behind,
this time the male family members carried the coffin into church.

With me as the commentator,
Barry as the reader,
Uncle Pop as the musician,
Kimberly & Kaylyn to deliver the eulogy.
*eulogy script will be posted up later,
written by the very own 9 year old Kaylyn*

For once, after a very long time,
I fully participated in church,
I responded, I sang, I participated,
and I am very proud of myself for that.

The coffin was carried out of the church,
by the family members again,
with the wardens forming a line of honor. 

After prayers at the crematorium,
all went into the waiting room,
that moment was beautiful,
as everyone was sobbing,
but the rise of prayers stayed strong,
as though to support & comfort.

I who kept my cool for the past few days,
willing myself not to cry,
shed only a few tears here and there,
but even that,
couldn't stop the downpour of tears,
at the crematorium.

I made sure I hugged everyone,
both hoping to comfort them,
and drawing strength from them too.

Despite the grief and sorrow,
joyfulness reigns in our hearts,
as dear greatly beloved Uncle Gary,
is at peace at the side of the Lord in heaven.

 

He died a happy man,
it was clear upon his face,
a smile etched so wide,
it reached your heart.
I kid you not.