Two for Monday

Two funeral viewings at two different funeral homes in one night, talk about memories. (insert sarcasm here) I haven't done the two funeral homes in one day since friends of mine died in a car accident on Thanksgiving Day 1997.

The first viewing was for a man that I knew growing up and would see at church. My husband and I walk into funeral home number one and talked to his brothers, his children and his wife. His wife told me that he was out in the driveway clearing away snow and he collasped while she watched from the window. After telling her how sorry I was for her loss, I started looking at the flowers that were sent, looking to see if I recognized any of the names. Finally, I walked over to the casket and looked at him for the last time. He looked really good and then I looked at the casket. It was a beautiful oak casket and it reminded me of my dad's. As soon as that thought entered my head, I knew it was time to leave. I could feel the tears starting to form behind my eyes. So we said our goodbyes and then headed off to the second viewing for my husband's relative.

The second funeral home that my husband and I went to was the same one where my dad's funeral viewing was seven years ago. Of course, the viewing was in the same room as well. I thought I have left the memories of dad at the first funeral home, but I was wrong. Walking into the room, brought back everything from the day of his viewing. Looking around I remembered where I sat, flower arrangements and visitors. While my husband talked with family members and friends, I left the room. I walked around the funeral home and collected my thoughts.

After the walk, I sat down on a chair in the lobby. Sitting down in the lobby helped me realize, yes, I still have memories of that day, seven years ago. But, I'm sitting here on the outside and not in the viewing room. Maybe someday, those same people will be back at the exact funeral home having the same feelings as I did. I just know, that the seat in the lobby is better then the one in the viewing room.