As I was trotting across the parking lot I realized I had my flip flops on. I turned to change my shoes and dash back inside. Of course I had to go through the wrong door and proceed to be lead through a maze into the main room. I quietly made my way to the front, signed my name and picked up a program. I saw my best friend in the front row and I thought she saw me. Not wanting to cause a scene I turned and walked to the back of the room and took my seat.
The service was lovely and sweet, it was enjoyable listening to her friends tell fun stories about her. I had sat with hope that everyone would be blessed with such a turn out of friends and family at their funeral.
Once the service was over the funeral home staff ushered and directed people to the front to talk to the family. I quietly waited in line and when my best friend saw me she burst into tears. She gave me the biggest hug and could not believe I made the drive to come and attend the funeral. I told her it was 'non-negotiable' for whether or not I would be there. It was only a five hour drive and overall it had gone by quickly, and being there for my friend was worth everything.
I was invited to stay for the dinner reception at her brother's house. I ended up having so much fun talking to people I had not seen in years, the time continue to slip by. I watched the clock and my decision to leave at 6 turned into 7, then 8 then it was 9. All of her friends and family did not want me to leave and drive, but to stay the night. Her sister-in-law offered her room and I took their advice to stay, verses taking off when it was now turned into 10:00pm.
Her brother kindly showed me to the room which I would stay in and expressed much gratitude for making the drive and being there for his sister and family. I would not have had it any other way. If the funeral had been in Wisconsin, it probably been a bit more difficult to make it. Yet, being in Illinois it was a lot easier and closer for me to make the trip. When I woke up Saturday, I knew, absolutely knew, I had to go and be there for her. That is one trip I will never regret. It was nice to be able to say good-bye to her Mom who had always been so kind to me. It was good to see her family members and her husband and children.
I woke up Sunday, knowing I had to get back to edit photos from the rodeo I had covered Thursday night. When I got downstairs I left a note expressing my thanks and gratitude to their kindness and having me stay the night in their beautiful home. Then I quietly stepped out and left. Part of me really wanted to have breakfast at the Hen House, which is right off the interstate. Instead I opted for a Taco Bell breakfast a few exits up.
I would do anything for my best friend Di. She is my voice of reason, kindness and always has the best advice. In my heart I knew I had to be there as we are now approaching that time in our lives when we have to accept we are going to be saying good-bye to our parents. This is not something I am looking forward to, and it is a time when our loved ones need to gather around us.
It was a good trip, a fun trip and I found myself struggling to turn my truck to go south, when I really wanted to go north. I'm homesick. It was great to see my friend. It had been four years since I had seen her. The last time I had seen her I had not gotten the tattoo on my hand yet. Four years is too long to go to see someone you care about and call friend. Now with this job I have with Aegis, I am hoping it will put me in the situation to travel and go see people more often. It is a blessing to have friends all over this country. It is frustrating to not be in the position to go see them more frequently. Hopefully, that will begin to change.
See you later, alligator.
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