Strength
My husband’s grandfather passed away this week. The funeral was really beautiful. It was really sad. I haven’t been to a funeral in a long time. Throughout I wondered how his family was holding up so well. When I looked around and saw his family, I couldn’t help but feel a sadness. To see a daughter approach her father’s casket, and touch his hand, and look lovingly upon him for the last time… It broke my heart. Even now I tear up remembering it. Several times I felt out of place crying for a man I hardly knew. But seeing the sadness in all those people… I was constantly holding back the tears.
He had a full military funeral. The music, the readings, the honor guard, all perfect. Grandpa would have enjoyed it all. A man played Taps gorgeously, men fired rifles, and the people wept. It was a sadness I have never felt before.
After the funeral, a few of us went back to Grandma’s condo. I am amazed by her strength. She really is a strong and wonderful woman. We hung out and talked. She talked about her plans for the future. She had been thinking about getting a puppy, so my husband’s mom and she started looking at advertisements in the paper. Soon enough they were making some phone calls, and eventually they decided to go and see a dog.
The adventure that ensued will remain in my memory forever.
My husband’s grandmother, mom, and little cousin (all still dressed in their funeral attire) went to see the dog. Apparently, the dog was “pathetic” and Grandma didn’t want the puppy. But, being the sweet loving grandma that she is, seeing her little 8 year old granddaughter holding the sleeping puppy in her arms and knowing how much she wanted it, apparently grandma decided to tell the woman that she was newly widowed, and had just come from her husbands funeral. She also proceeded to offer the woman one hundred dollars to take the dog for the night, and that she would return him the following day if it didn’t work out. All the while, planning on returning the dog after her granddaughter left.
Imagine the look on the woman’s face… $100 for a $300 puppy??!?! The woman politely said no, that she didnt think that would be “fair for the dog.” But she had to have been thinking to herself..’The lengths that this woman will go to to get a discount on a dog.’ Must have looked suspicious, and funny and just plain weird. We could all just imagine the woman calling up a friend like ‘you wouldnt believe the crazy that came over here today looking for a puppy”…
In the end, they didn’t get that dog. But Grandma came home and shared the story with us. We all had a great laugh. It was nice to see Grandma laughing. I am really inspired by her. During such a difficult time, when it would be so easy to get down, and wallow in her sorrow, she is able to pick herself up. She is able to laugh at herself. She is able to stay strong and look forward, and embrace and love all the wonderful blessings in her life. It was really a wonderful time to share with her.
Later on in the evening, My husband and I joined them, and we went to see another breeder. She picked out a puppy, and its absolutely adorable. We went to the pet store, which was another adventure, and bought some essentials. Then it was back to Grandma’s to get the puppy adjusted. The only photos I took were with my iphone, which was all I had with me. I wish I had my real camera, but it was back at his parents house. I mean, who brings a camera to a funeral.. It’s a morkie = maltese / yorkie mix. Stupid name. But its a sweet little pup with a great temperament, which will be a great dog for Grandma.
Anyway, It was a sad, beautiful, honorable, wonderful, & memorable day.
