Grampa’s funeral and memorial service were beautiful. It was a very sweet day filled with happy tears and memories. Most touching were the speeches given by Grampa’s friend, Matt’s dad, uncle David and Matt himself. They really captured Grampa’s personality as a hard worker, a gentleman and a Duke Basketball fan. Matt told the story of us striking conversation during Davidson freshman orientation over a pair of Duke shorts he was wearing, which led me to ask him if he was a Duke fan too. He replied yes, and that his Grampa was a huge fan and had encouraged him to root for Duke despite his dad and uncle being Tar Heel alumni. He thanked Grampa for leading him to the love of his life through his loyalty to Duke
Between the services, we had just 5 minutes to eat our sandwiches. Turns out we LEFT them in the fridge and luckily my dad was joining us for the memorial and could bring them.
Turkey, tomato, pepper, lettuce, mustard, and mayo on Dakota bread.
By the time everything was over we were starving for a second lunch and family gathering at Bonnie, Matt’s grandmother’s, house.
The spread was full of salads and sandwiches
I made a ham + veggie sandwich on a roll and had a taste of several of the side dishes
And of course a tiny taste of some of the desserts, per usual. I am not a cheesecake person, but this one was FAB!
I ate this meal around 5:00, so I didn’t really need any dinner when we got home.
It was nice to get to catch up with all of the family today. Here are the Monson cousins – Andrew, Elizabeth, Dylan, Natalie, Sarah and Matt. I had to look twice because I thought Elizabeth was me at first even though I wasn’t even in the photo!!
We are both totally exhausted and worn out from the long day. Poor Matt had to try to sleep in the car on the way while I drove because he has to get up at 3 for work. To bed immediately for me too!
Elizabeth says
What a touching speech Matt gave…… and kind of appropriate at the time of your anniversary too…..
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
Awwww. I’m glad the day was full of special memories for you. And what a sweet story that Matt told. Glad your day was full of HAPPY tears.
Have a great night!
Melissa @ For the Love of Health says
I am really glad to hear the funeral was filled with happy memories. I think people who pass on would prefer family members and friends remembering the happy times.
Funerals always have a huge spread of food. It looks like you had some good eats.
Have a great night!
Rebeca says
I love that you guys did a tribute to the great man that he must have been!
Hope you both get lots of rest tonight!
Heather says
Sounds like a beautiful memorial service and a lovely way to honor and remember Matt’s Grandpa. It sounds like he was a VERY special man!
Glad you got to catch up with family and hope you get in a good nigth’s rest after the long day! 🙂
Erica says
Glad the services were beautiful and really honored the wonderful man he was. This was very comforting for me to read given some of the events going on with one of my family members right now- thank you Kath!
Biz319 says
Wow, his cousin does look just like you!
Glad the services went well – hope Matt got some sleep in!
Amelia says
Aww that’s such a sweet story. I’m glad it sounds like the service really honored his memory.
Oh She Glows says
I’m glad you had such lovely services today…hope you both get some rest!
Help Meghan Run says
Very nice! And yes, you look like you could fit right into that picture, looks-wise. 🙂 Enjoy the sleep.
HelpMeghanRun.com
Lisa says
It sounds like a beautiful service. Funerals are odd “catching-up” occasions in my family, too. Every time we say we need to get together more often than someone passes away.
Michele says
Thank you for sharing those special memories with us…
And, I thought you were standing next to Matt! I couldn’t believe when I read that it was Elizabeth and not you. LOL
*smiles*
Michele
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
The speech that Matt made sounds so touching. How sweet. The food looks lovely, too.
Wow, that last group pic does look like you’re in it. 😮
Jenn
Shannon says
Kath,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and have become such a fan. I am so sorry about your loss… 🙁 I hope Matt gets his rest! 3 am is such an early shift!
On a lighter note..that turkey sandwich looks really amazing right now lol.
Can’t wait to keep reading all of your wonderful posts.
-Shannon 🙂
Linda says
For a moment there, I thought the woman standing next to Matt was you!
Jo says
I’m glad everything went ok for you. You are right, you could fit right into that family picture! Great looking sandwich, I could eat it right now 🙂
Christie @ Beadluvah says
I am glad the service went well. I hope matt is able to rest up.
greenbean says
my condolences guys. grandparents are the best!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
glad to hear that the day brought some smiles and good memories 😉
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Sounds like a beautiful memorial service. It’s nice when people can share some of their memories with everyone, and I love Matt’s speech.
Hope you both were able to get some sleep!
Stacey says
🙁 I’m really sorry for you and your husbands loss.
The food looks very scrumptious though 🙂
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) says
I’m glad there were happy memories shared at the funeral. That’s the best way to say goodbye. That’s the way it was at my grandma’s funeral. Everyone was telling funny stories about her and we all ended up laughing during the service.
Katharina says
Hey Kath 🙂
It sounds like it was a very nice ceremony. My condolences go out to you, Matt, and the rest of the family.
p.s. she looks so much like you, I thought it was you too!
Sarah says
Wow, sounds like a beautiful service, that is how it should always be…a celebration of life 🙂
Hope Matt was able to catch some Z’s…have a good day!
Nicole says
The service seemed to be lovely. I think that it’s important for funerals to be a celebration of a person’s life.
Have a good day!
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
It’s great that you could celebrate his life.
Redeemedbyblood says
Sweet! A Lurkey sandwich!