Back home again

It is good to be home.  Thank you for the kind words and hugs.  I appreciated the caring and understanding from everyone.
It has been a stressful week. Thankfully Andrew, my son was with me and was a pillar of strength.  I don't know what I would have done without him.
The funeral went as well as a funeral could go.  I felt the need to do the eulogy (very bizarre for me).  When I mentioned it to my nephew (he is the takeover type and my sister allows it) said "No, we have arranged for the minister to do it".  They said the minister would be over that afternoon to get the information.  He was a lovely man who did not know my brother.  He mentioned that it would be so much better for a family member to do it.  John (nephew) looked at me and said "You said you could do it".  I said "Absolutely".  He thanked me profusely before and after the funeral!!
I gathered the family together to tell me stories of Robert and wrote it up that night on my friend's computer to present the next day at the funeral.  I wanted Andrew to edit it as he is a writer and editor.  So in the morning, I got the computer out and logged on to it.  The screen went blank.  Nothing.  Pirjo (friend) fiddled with it, Andrew fiddled with it - nothing.  So Andrew got his computer out.  it was sloooow.  He was convinced he would have to get a new computer when he got home as his job is writing!  I did start to dictate another eulogy.  in the meantime, Pirjo went to see the neighbor who is a computer geek.  He suggested trying another cord and lent her one.  Presto, the original was up.  Andrew is a good editor but not speedy.  We got to the funeral just in time.
I am certain that Lisa and Robert were messing with us.  I am also sure they were there with me when I read it.  I felt so comfortable.  One of Robert's hunting buddies came up to me later and told me that he wished I'd have kept on talking. 
I wish all had ended well however, I made the mistake of asking my nephew (executor) about the will.  I didn't get a chance to say that I mainly wanted to ensure that Cevyn gets whatever would have been left to Lisa - not Harvey.  All Hell broke loose.  I won't go in to detail but, except for one niece who has always been a troublemaker and instigator, we sorted things out.  I suspect there are still people there who think i am only interested in money but I can't help that. My nephew and I had a chat afterwards - I still do not like him but we agreed that emotions were high and although he never did share the contents of the will, he assured me that it would be handled as Robert would want. 
I really could have picked a better time.  I just thought that we were all together and the rest of the family wanted to know what was in the will - I didn't think it was going to cause a riot.  They are all afraid of John so, even though they get upset with him and don't trust him,  they won't confront him. 
So I am back home to my quiet life.  My family is getting smaller and smaller.  My sister is very frail and has considerable memory loss due to mini strokes so I worry about her.  Joe says "We are at that age".   
Lisa and Robert:  I could feel you with me - that was a bit of a trick you played on us but thank you for giving me the courage and serenity to do the eulogy.  And thank you for 'fixing' Andrew's computer when he got home.  He says it is working just fine now!  I  miss you always and love you forever.
 

Replies

RememberKala
RememberKala

What a lovely and wonderful gift you gave your brother. Try not to worry about who thinks what....you know the truth and that\'s all that really matters in the end. Thinking of you dear friend with lots of love~~Teri.
CFMOM2
CFMOM2

So sorry you had to have upset in addition to your loss. Families are.....
Your borther was happy to have you stand giving him honor. Peace
Abotsd
Abotsd

I am glad you\'re home, alive and well. The hard thing about aging is the loss of dear family and friends. We all don\'t reach the average age of 80, as we know too well.

Thank you for the understanding comments on my journal. We will get through the lst of the months, together. I\'m sure your brother, Robert, was a lovely man, and I am sorry for his health issues and your sister\'s too.

I\'ve never seen the big trees, and have always wanted to. You must tell me more about it, how to get there and where to stay, etc. love you, Abby
KandL
KandL

Marlene, I am so proud of you for speaking at the funeral. I do believe Lisa and Robert were with you as you said and they gave you peace as you spoke of the wonderful man your brother was in his earthly life. Too bad some of your family members misinterpreted your intent when you inquired about the will. Of course you want your brother\'s wishes to be carried out & I know you are just looking out for Cevyn. But as Teri said, \"you know the truth.\" Love and peace, Linda
lynette22
lynette22

Marlene, I\'m so sorry for this additional loss, but big kudos to you for your strength. I know both Lisa and Robert are proud. Hugs and love, Lynette - Matthews mom
biowoman
biowoman

So touching that you felt lead to give the eulogy. I sure it was lovely and touched many with your words...rest now...you have been on the go for some time now and then of course this loss...take gentle care...love to you...the North Carolinian...Karen :)
BinkyH
BinkyH

Hugs and blessings to you, Marlene! Belinda
Livingjuicy
Livingjuicy

How wonderful that you could do this as so many times the lump in one\'s throat is huge and the words do not come. I\'m sure that both Robert and Lisa are so very proud of your courage and presence of mind and heart to share your thoughts with all who attended.

Glad you are home safe and sound and had to LOL about the \"wrinkle\" comment about yourself concerning the picture of you on our group page. I hadn\'t even noticed and was just looking at your smile and sense of peace. :)

Loving care dear Marlene,
Joanie
PLA58
PLA58

Marlene, I am glad you made it through everything that was shot at you. I think your strength comes out and surprises you when it is needed. I could not do what you did for your brother.
Home is always a comforting place to be, especially after you have been away for a long time. Say Hi to hubby for me I raise a glass of beer to both of you.
Hugs Penny
ter1
ter1

Marlene it is wonderful that you did your brother\'s eulogy, I know it was wonderful, you are so very caring.

I was just thinking yesterday about being \"At that age\" when things start going wrong. For myself I don\'t really care, I\'m ready to go at any time and memory loss would be sort of blessing...but my granddaughters are so close to me...I would hate for them, especially Athena, to have the pain of losing their Nana. I know it will happen someday but I think it would be better if they were older when it did.

Welcome home it was so very great meeting you at the retreat. Can\'t wait for next years retreat.

Sending love, Terry