A Day, A Week
It’s been an odd week. I’ve been out of sorts. Things feel out of control and a little overwhelming. But when I try to put my finger on what exactly is off, there isn’t anything I can point to. I’ve had some big things going on, but none of them are necessarily overwhelming. Every decision I’ve made has been well thought out and I feel good when I lay my head down at night. But something is just… off.
I know what it is, too. My dad’s funeral is on Saturday. We had his memorial service the week he died in his town for all my parent’s friends and family, but he was cremated and was going to be buried in our hometown. My mom wanted to wait until after the holidays for the service, though. His graveside service is on Saturday, and we are all heading home this week to celebrate his life and place him in his final resting place together.
I really haven’t been sad this week. I got a little choked up today when I ordered flowers to be delivered to the grave site. They asked what I wanted on the card, and I couldn’t think of anything. I drew a complete blank, and then started crying. The sweet florist gave me a few suggestions, and we went with one of those.
Aside from that one little moment, I really haven’t been sad this week. Just sort of preoccupied and out of sorts.
Truthfully, I’m sort of relieved to have a funeral for Dad. My dad deserves a funeral. He deserves a time when people dress up and bow their heads in prayer and respect for him. He deserves for our worlds to stop for a few hours while we focus on him and the impact he made while he walked this earth. He deserves a resting place where we can visit. His life deserves to be marked by our presence.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Grant us peace and comfort this weekend as we lay my dad to rest. Remind us that sadness and grief are gifts which teach us to be thankful, and that they are only temporary. With your divine Spirit, fill our hearts with hope and with the joy that comes in knowing that one day we will all be together again.
In His holy name we pray,
Amen
22 Comments
Rebecca @ The Reluctant Housewife
I’ll be praying for you this weekend as you lay your dad to rest.
Sara
Praying for you and yours, dear Katie!
Claire H.
Sending hugs to you and your family, and wishing you all comfort.
Mae
Praying for a sense of peace for you and your family during this difficult time.
Cassie A.
I’m thinking of you… stay strong as you always have…
cathy
Katie,
I always use the word “disquiet” when I am feeling what you are feeling. Peace is an antonym and that is what you might feel after you have the funeral. I am praying that you have peace.
Amy S
Amen!
Sharlee@believinginsomething
Beautiful, Katie! As always, these posts about your dad bring tears to my eyes. You pay such beautiful tribute to him. The prayer at the end, is just perfect and beautiful.
Ashley @ A Recipe for Sanity
Praying for you all…I know what a difficult time this is.
Katy
I’ll be thinking of you from afar.
Sarah H.
Oh man, this made me cry again. What a sweet sweet blessing to have him as your father. I can feel the love! WONDERFUL wording for the card!
Suzanne
Praying God’s peace and comfort for you and your family Katie.
Alaina
I will be praying for you and your family…
Amanda Macy Hall
That was beautiful. This line gives renewed meaning to a funeral: “He deserves for our worlds to stop for a few hours while we focus on him and the impact he made while he walked this earth.”
You are such a talented writer. Best of luck this weekend.
Sara
I am so sorry, Katie. I hope you can find some peace this weekend. I’ll be thinking of you and your family!
Jenn @ Shopaholic to Small Town
I am so sorry Katie. I know there are just no words… I pray for peace and comfort for your entire family.
Chloe
Looking at a picture of someone and knowing they are not here anymore is hard to register. I pray the Lord covers you this weekend and throughout.
Cindy
I’ll be praying for you and your sweet family.
PK
Praying for you. It will be a tough weekend but it will also be a good weekend to remember and honor your dad. I’m heading off to a funeral this weekend for a dear family friend who was like a grandfather to me. I appreciated the prayer at the end of your post.
Athol Kay
So sorry to hear of your loss. Right now you’re living through an earthquake, and there will be aftershocks of grief and emotion for a while to come. Hang in there.
Lindsay (Young Married Mom)
Prayers fr you today and this weekend!
Breann
Katie: this quote got me through some tough days after my step sister died. I am praying for you this weekend. “Grief is like the ocean: it’s deep and dark and bigger than all of us. And pain is like a thief in the night. Quiet. Persistent. Unfair. Diminished by time and faith and love.”