We're home from Huntsville. We arrived Grandpa's house in time to visit with the family some prior to the visitation on Friday evening. At the visitation the kids were all over the place. They just wanted to run around and have fun. In fact, Rebekah told me later that she had so much fun that night. It was a challenge to keep the kids contained, so Darrin walked with them in the lobby some to burn a little energy.
It was really good to hang out with the family, though. I met a few people whom I did not know, but I also got to see my mom's cousin Charita and her husband Buddy whom we haven't seen in a long time. It seemed like I didn't really visit much with the visitors, though, because I was helping Darrin watch the kids so closely.
Grandpa had a closed casket. A couple of pictures were displayed next to the flowers, and Uncle Alan did a couple of photo displays which included my latest blog entry of memories about Grandma. The pictures ranged from a baby picture all the way to January of her holding Rebekah.
Since the kids were already tired, and we were running on central time instead of eastern time, we decided to head back to the motel a little early. The kids didn't settle down to sleep until 10:15 or so our time. It was a bit rough, but we made it okay. It's just challenging all sleeping in the same room together with the kids being so young.
Saturday morning was the funeral. Grandpa's pastor (they recently had joined another church closer to home so they could attend Sunday mornings) performed the ceremony and did a lovely job. Their minister of music, who was very young I might add, sang several hymns. He is extremely talented, and he did an amazing job. He is classically trained, and he has a phenomenol voice. Carrie and I would have sung, but it ended up being better that we didn't because we had our children to keep entertained and quiet.
Following the funeral and burial service we went over to the wall where Grandma's body was buried and then we headed over to Grandpa's house for lunch. Some lady friends had prepared us lunch. What a blessing that was! It was so nice just to be around the family and enjoy each other's company, although Joshua was always trying to get out the door to make a getaway. We stayed for a good while before we left to come home.
One thing that really touched me so much was that my parents' Bible fellowship (i.e. Sunday school) teacher and a staff member and his wife (he did our wedding) came all the way to either the visitation or the funeral. I still choke up when I think about that. It was sacrificial for them to travel two hours, but they did it anyway.
Now I am just really tired. I know the grieving is not over. Little things set me off to crying some, and it will continue for a while. It just seems all surreal that Grandma is not here anymore.
Grandma's Obituary
Betty Lou Taylor
Feb. 16, 1925 - March 11, 2009
Betty Lou Taylor, 84, of Huntsville passed away Wednesday.
She loved the Lord, her family and many friends. She helped HIV patients, taught English to internationals, and taught at Grissom High School for a few years. She was a talented pianist. She took joy in gardening and traveling across the country with her husband.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Taylor; children, Richard Taylor, Curtis Taylor, and Jeanine Taylor Wright; six grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; three great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren on the way; sister, Jane Stites; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Hughey Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in Valhalla Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Latham United Methodist Church wheelchair ramp fund.
Here are the flowers I took from the bouquet that was placed on the casket. These depict Grandma so well. Aren't they beautiful?
Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. They are felt throughout our family. Please continue to pray as we work through the grieving process.
