Wednesday

We couldn't have scripted a day of remembering her dad any better especially since the day before was total disaster for Nancy. We awakened of course with Chester, Sam's buddy the rooster to a 5'ish wake up song but we did manage to lay around until nearly 7:30 as there was no sleep the night before due to the bug which had invaded her tummy. We weren't sure she would be able to attend the service scheduled for noon and I was very sceptical I would be alright to go as well; but everything worked out. The service was awesome and quite a tribute to her dad and mom as well. Bobby did a superb job and we all were in tears as well as laughter throughout.There were many in attendance we hadn't seen or been in contact with in years and the pictures displayed on the T.V. monitor regarding their lives together was great.

After the service all of the family and a few friends met in Largo at the Olive Garden restaurant where we had a separate room and then dined together. The food was very good and we had great service. We decided to meet at GG's house around 6 PM to gather together again for food and sharing thoughts and memories again as many were leaving for Miami later that evening. A van load pulled out around 9:30 for that long drive south as their commitments were many; plus the kids would sleep through the night making it a more enjoyable drive. We had a house full at GG's and we decorated the house with many of the flower arrangements giving the place a festive attitude and we thank all of you for your beautiful arrangements for this solemn occasion. The food and vino flowed as well as did more stories of her dad and the family.

We had a spiral cut ham as well as a fresh garden salad adorned with homemade Greek potato salad and homemade Greek dressing, cold cut sandwiches already made from the deli as well as homemade pies and cakes, what a feast.It was so nice outside we even had the doors and windows open. The little ones were having a grand time as they played and entertained us as well until it was way past their bedtime; I think there were 10 of them all under the age of 10 which kept the volume level high.

Pap would have enjoyed all the food but we weren't to sure he would have enjoyed all the kids and the noise and we know he wouldn't have had the doors and windows open so already we are breaking the mold he had established which seemed to make it a little easier saying good-by. We are having all the family except for the Miami gang which was 9 folks again on Thursday at our house for smoked brisket, mac and cheese another garden salad with all the fixin's. GG's sister, Daryl and niece, Chris are here from Pennsylvania as well as Diane and Eric from Michigan who will stay through the week-end.

We headed for home around 10 PM and sleep came fast. I feel very fortunate I escaped the bug that Nancy suffered through and we were very skeptical at first we would be able to be a part of the celebration of her dad's life with the rest of the family and friends. All in all it was a wonderful day with family and friends and we know Pap would have enjoyed himself especially with the food and the stories shared by many had he not been with the Lord. LATER