Meaningful Funeral

The legato sounds of majestic bagpipes outside the church beckoned all to the Funeral of Nancy Ann Babcock. As I walked up the church steps, the unique harmonics of the bagpipes swept over me and I started to cry. Until this point my tears have been minimal. Having three children around me all the time keeps my emotions in check, as they get upset seeing their Mommy cry.

On this day, they were with a babysitter and I was able to properly mourn the passing of Grandma. The first, and probably hardest, embrace as I entered the church, was with my Mother. We hugged, gripping each other both grasping for comfort in one another. I gathered myself as best as I could and went on to greet all the family gathered in the rear of the church. Seeing my brother for the first time in months was great, hugging and consoling cousins, aunts, and uncles, was as it should be.

I made my way over to my Grandfather and encircled him with much love. Perhaps,for me, the most difficult thing to do. He hugged me tightly and I strive to remember exactly what he said. It was profound, and perfect, but it eludes my memory. I stepped away and stood by the casket, silently saying goodbye to my beloved Grandmother.

Tears flowed from all. In my heart I believe we all knew she was in heaven and we should be smiling and delighting in that fact. It is not something easily done, and for me this was a day that I could let it all out. No children around meant I was able to pray, mourn, and remember in peace. Something that I needed since Grandma's passing.

The service itself was a great testament to the closeness of the family Grandma and Grandpa have created, nurtured, and loved. We all were heavily and frequently involved during the service. A Splendid Babcock Overload. We are a large family, but exceptionally close. It was perfect. I can't explain how great it was for all of us to have a roll. She was a gigantic part in all of our lives and it was only fitting that we all participated.

The 18 grandchildren all wrote a little something for Grandma over the last week. My cousin Lindsay got up and conveyed perfectly to the crowd all the best parts. Her eulogy was eloquent, to say the least. As I listened to her words tears formed and didn't stop. Lindsay was strong and her words steadfast and spot on. She nailed it.

Next, the picture of sisterly love and support descended on the crowd as all six girls walked up to the microphone. My Aunt Shawn stepped forward and the remaining five girls stood behind her, hands gripping each other. The poem that my Aunt had written touched on the life story of my Grandma. Not a dry eye was seen as it was read. Giggles were heard at appropriated stanza's, sobs were heard during other's. The six girls were tired, worn out, and emotionally drained, but still beautiful up there. As they stood there hand in hand, strength and love resonated from their stance. They were not six individuals, but one entity, the ultimate representation of my Grandmother and her greatest accomplishment as a mother.

The funeral ended as the casket was pushed by the Grandson's and the rest of the family closely followed. All of us holding on to one another. Many embraces and condolences were exchanged by friends and family not seen in ages.

I collected myself and we went to retrieve the children that were being watch at my Aunt Judy's house. They did well and the babysitter was still standing. They have not had someone besides my sister watch them, well to be honest, Max and Violette have never had another person watch them.

A luncheon was held in Grandma's honor at a restaurant. It was grand and perfect as to be expected. Right on the St. Clair River, a gorgeous sight. Earlier Max had asked upon our arrival to St. Clair and as soon as he saw the river, "Is that Great Grandma's River?". I strongly replied, "Yes Max, it is Great Grandma's River".

When the children had reached their limit and we had eaten our share of delicious food we hugged and said our goodbye's. Goodbye to Alex, my little brother living so far away, it will be Christmas time before we see him again. It will be awhile before I see my parents again too, so during this time of sorrow, the goodbye was bitter sweet. Hardest yet again, was hugging my Grandpa goodbye.

The day was long, but the funeral was so meaningful that I believe we all walked away feeling a bit more at peace.