The Service

 It was cold, with a wet, raw wind, the skies were a leaden gray somber in mirroring our sorrow. I was glad we had chosen the 10:30 time for we couldn't have done anything else beforehand. We arrived at the church to find all the kids had gotten there and been keyed to the mike. we gathered in Ben's cousins and a dear  friend and on Hank's cue walked across the courtyard and into the nave. There was a  lovely crowd inside. My prediction that we could hold the reception in the Common Room would not hold up. The piognant melody of the Meditation began. I had Kelsey on one side and Lainy on the other and woodenly stood, sat, spoke, prayed the liturgy.The grands were wonderful in their parts! They all read well and clearly. Benj and Lainy spoke so movingly of their father and Kelsey, with his mom  standing beside him, told of the loss of his best friend. Sue's homily was so warn and captured this lovely man so well. The little guys stole the show bringing in the oblations with stately steps up that long aisle. Lenette's singing was so beautiful and full of love. I heard voices joining her in the refrains. During the eucharist I saw so any faces I knew and loved and many I had not thought to see: my favorite professor at Park, ballooning friends, ultralight friends, so many from church. On came the coats and out to the garden. The sun at that moment tried to emerge but failed. After a brief service and the ashes interred we started greeting people. It started before I left the garden and continued into Founders. My friend put a cup of hot tea into my hands and I stood beside myself thanking people for coming and shared memories for hours. Finally, about 2:30 I determined that I must eat something and put a few things on a plate. The little grands had been busy outside and had something to show me. They had taken sticks and made a "Here lies my Papa." sign on his corner of the wall from them with an M & M to dot the i.. At that moment a tradition happened. I told the guys that when I came to church I would stop and put an M & M on his part of the wall. They liked that. A little child. . .
.That night we all went to the Bristol in the Power and Light District. Benj and Lainy together thought it up as a family send off and toast to Ben. It was delicious and a quiet setting which ended the day well. Everyone felt so supported by the love in the service so our time together was as contented as it could be.
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