The Funeral

At the viewing eating pizza in the basement Emma, Uncle Carl, Kris, Lisa, Brad and Uncle Steve. (Left to Right)

Sara, Renee (Sara's friend from California), Gail (Sara's Mom), Brianna (Tony and Sara's youngest), and John (Tony's best friend from 6th grade)
Me, Susie and Grethe--We three haven't been all together in over a year.
Aunt Linda (Tony's Mom), John, Carl, Uncle Joe and Aunt Judy, and Fred (Tony's brother who lives in Sweeden)
Everyone at Uncle Steve's after the funeral.


The funeral was on Saturday along with a viewing that happened on Friday. Everyone started to show up at Uncle Steve's and Uncle Carl's house on Thursday and Friday. Thank you Uncle Steve, Aunt Elaine, Kris and Uncle Carl for opening your homes to all of us. But most of all I want to thank Sara. This past year has been a terrible one and I can't imagine how hard her life has been. Sara is a hero. The job you did with Tony was so many time thankless and each day could be so hard to endure. Sara you are my hero and I love you. The funeral was beautiful and heart wrenching. I changed my ticket come home on Sunday instead of Monday because, as most of you can relate, I couldn't wait to get home to my family and hug and love on them and thank God for them and each day we are given together. As I left Sunday morning, before the sun was up and the house was sooooo quiet, I felt also a sense of loss. Not only because of Tony being gone and those poor girls with out a father, and Sara without a husband, but leaving the family I love very much. I wasn't even out the door and I already missed you all. I haven't seen many of you for years and it was so good to see all of you and to reconnect. I think the bond we all have with each other is special and was so comforting during this terrible time. I just wish our gathering could have been under happier circumstances. I am so very thankful for each of you and I am so glad that though it has been years, it only felt like days since we saw each other last. Hopefully next time won't be so long and the reason will be more joyful. I love you all. And I am praying for all of your safe travel home to your families so you can hug and love on them also.