funeral for a friend

today was a really rough day. joe's funeral.

i started out early to carole's home to do her hair for her.
i suggested that gary just meet me at the church later.
the forecast was for scattered storms and boy did it storm
early on. lightening, crazy thunder and dark skies. crap!
just the kind of doom and gloom you need on the day
of a funeral, right? joesette said, "it matches my mood."
got the hair done, pulled into the garage so carole could
get in without getting wet and i drove her over to the church.

the family all gathered early to console one another,
hold one another, see joe and say their good-byes.

carole sat down next to joe and never left.
eventually people started to arrive....signing the guest book,
leaving cards, making memorial contributions, hugging,
crying, sharing stories....

the service was beautiful, heartfelt, & moving.
i remember an extremely loud boom of thunder as the family
followed the casket in...it shook me...deep. i felt joe's presence.

netti read from revelations, alex got up to speak, my brother,scott
was asked to read a passage but what touched me most was
pete's eulogy. this was his brother. his only brother.
bravely, pete delivered the most eloquent speech.
in what seemed like a moment, pete revealed all the sides
of joe that we knew and some that didn't, like only a brother could.

i couldn't help but wonder if i would have the strength to do that
for my sister. i hope & pray that i never have to know.

what's most difficult for me is to watch, helplessly, as a family grieves.
i love this family dearly and will miss joe.

to the baker family, i lift you up to God and ask that he hold you tight
as you grieve joe's passing.

picture this........life....(don't waste it)