A Big Thank You To All!

It has been a whirl wind of activity since Brian has passed away. I do want to thank everyone who has graciously given support before and after Brian left this world.  A great big thank you for all the food and drink, paper products, flowers, and help with funeral arrangements. Thank you for all who attended the funeral, interment, and the celebration of life party after. Brian would have wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life and not mourn his passing, especially in the condition he was in these last few months. So celebrate we did in grand style with musicians and music that was so much a part of his life. Thanks goes out to all the musicians, his postal family and those that had worked with him through his civic service and church. It is nice to know that he had touched so many.Even though Brian isn't with me physically he will remain in my heart forever.

I have decided to keep the blog open and blog about my new adventures or maybe misadventures. It is a healthy way for me to deal with my grief and to keep family and friends informed about what I am up too. I will be posting some of the pictures that were given to me, thankfully, by those who were snapping away at the celebration over the next few blog entries.

Love You All!

Ode to Brian

Brian, you were truly my life partner. First you were my best friend and then my lover. When the kids came along you became a great father. You have provided and protected our family throughout the years. I have never once regretted marrying you. The end of our time together is here; but I know you will be waiting for me when my time comes to cross over to the other side.  Our life together has been a bond of karmic proportions and will continue on throughout time. Love forever! Mary

 

God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, ‘Peace bethine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
–Anonymous

The transfiguration

 

Funeral United Methodist Church Alliance, Nebraska Friday March 23rd 10:00 AM

Graveside Service (Interment) Greenwood Cemetery Sidney, Nebraska 2:00 PM
Reception/Celebration of Life/Dinner and Jam session Holiday Inn Sidney NE immediately following (approx 2:30 PM)...Any musician friends welcome to bring their instrument and join in. That is what Brian wished for. Come one, come all.

 

Lobster Fest

Yes, you heard me right. My friend Julie's husband Jim sent along his good wishes on the shells of six live lobsters from Maine. They arrived a half hour before Julie arrived at my house, by Fed X.  I exclaimed to the driver, "Oh, goody my lobsters are here." He gave me a sly grin and said " that must have been that noise I kept hearing in the back of the truck!" Poor guy, he probably thought he had ghosts or some varmint in the back. Julie was kind enough to cook them, for I have a hard time putting something live into boiling water. Julie was not too fond of it either, but what can I say she is the doctor and I am only the nurse :)

Friday I had another pleasant surprise when another good friend and classmate came a visiting on her way to her folks house in Kimball. Melinda and Boo her dog arrived for our second lobster/steak fest that evening. Dan the man also came and we ended up reminiscing about Brian's life and our notorious pasts.

Julie and Melinda

Melinda and Dan

Paqui, Marc and Zeyda came Saturday and we were able to get Brian out in the sun for a short time. It was so beautiful and a prelude to Spring.

Brian, Zeyda and Paqui

Thank you all for surrounding us with love. We feel like a cocoon all wrapped up and warm.

Death and Taxes

In the movie, Meet Joe Black (1998), a quote was used to indicate that the only things that are for certain in life are "death and taxes". This past week I received my tax return for 2011 from our accountant. It is the death of my tax hopes where there is a certain disappointment; my money will have to be sent to the federal and the state governments.

Jessamyn, Taylen and Jarret came to visit on Wednesday while I got beautified at the hair salon and ran some errands. The boys were out of school and got to come along. They picked up Chinese food on the way and we ate it before I took off to my appointment. It was such a nice visit before they all had to return back to Gordon to their busy lives.

Our handsome young men!
 

Thursday we had a surprise visitor, Mark Schultz, who played with Brian in "The Wanted Band".  We haven't visited for a long time. You know how it is, sometimes you just grow apart. Also our dear friends Harry and Wilma once again blessed us with a visit. Harry baked brownies for me and they are sure yummy. I have to dole them out to myself so I won't founder. Wilma to our delight, made us a picture card of Brian's guitars. Wow, what a thoughtful gift and she is so talented.  See for yourselves!

This week I am looking forward to seeing my friend from Maine, Julia (Julie), who will be staying with us for a few days. She is sending along live lobsters ahead for our feast of the dancing crustaceans. Or maybe it will be an early spring equinox party?

 

Adios Amigos!