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I’m back…

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Illinois

* Six of my late grandma’s grandchildren served as pallbearers at her funeral yesterday. I was honored to be one of those men.

Her service yesterday consisted solely of family members telling stories about Grandma. We didn’t want anybody speaking who didn’t know her. Our consolation came from each other.

It’s been a truly rough week for me, but I’m back in the saddle and ready to get on with life. The funeral home was directly across the street from House Republican candidate Glenn Nixon’s campaign office. After her burial, I was back at the funeral home waiting for people to gather and decided, ah, what the heck, and walked across the street. Nixon wasn’t there, but I was able to check out his office a bit and surprised the heck out of his staffer in the process. It was like therapy for me, and I know Grandma would’ve gotten a kick out of the shocked look on that kid’s face when I told him who I was.

Heh.

* Many thanks to all who sent flowers, came to the wake and/or the funeral and who donated to the Arc of Iroquois County in Grandma’s memory.

Here’s Gramma Cuz in happier days with my brother Denny, who was also a pallbearer yesterday…

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 9:43 am

Comments

The greatest celebration I’ve ever been a part of was after the death of my old man.

My mom’s house was packed to the rafters for a week, with family, neighbors and friends, many of whom who no one had seen for years, coming in from all over, loaded with food and drink and sharing tears, laughter and so many stories.

It was a life in full. I’m lucky to have known him.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 9:52 am
There must have been quite a Welcome Home party in heaven.

Comment by Aldyth Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 10:11 am
Did the Nixon Staffer have any good explanation why the candidate bombed out in ‘12 and why GOPies put him up again?

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 10:17 am
What a cute lady!!

Comment by justsayin' Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 10:20 am
The deep sadness of losing a loved one from our lives, and the joy and pleasure we get from our pets (like Oscar) are still two things that we all have in common and unite us as fellow brothers and sisters — regardless of our ages, our politics, our education, or our religion. We need to keep that in mind.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 10:22 am
love, love, love her nickname.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 10:43 am
Great Post, Rich.

A family consoling each other gives them the strength needed for those times you need it most.

I would have loved to seen that Staffer’s face. There is something to be said about a good surprise.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your openness.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 10:50 am
Your posts about your Grandmother were elegant and moving. A fitting tribute to her wonderful life and her contributions to family.

You made me realize something, the last time my family had a large gathering was at a funeral. I
am sure that is true of many families today.

Fathers day weekend we have a large part of family going to my fathers place in central Missouri and on pretty much short notice. I will also be going to the graves of my grandparents and paying due respects.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:06 am
===You made me realize something, the last time my family had a large gathering was at a funeral.===

My family gathered every five years for a big Gramma Cuz birthday party. The elders decided this week to continue those gatherings, but they may be held more often because people are aging. Gramma would’ve turned 95 in October of next year, so that may be the next time we all get together, unless we do it this year.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:14 am
So deeply sorry Rich. My condolences to you and your family

Comment by Eddy Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:22 am
Condolences and best wishes, Rich. What handsome family members. Are you that good looking under the beard? Let’s see more of that!

Comment by dupage dan Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:25 am
Thanks for sharing her picture. She looks just as you described her with that little smiling glint in her eyes.

Comment by Observation Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:31 am
My condolences Rich. G-Ma’s are pretty cool by definition and your grandmother was one in reality.

Comment by Tommydanger Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:44 am
I think you’re back cause she wants you back. Just like when she whispered in your ear and pinched your butt and told you to drop into Nixon’s office. She didn’t go anywhere. It’s just that the rest of us can’t see her.

Comment by A guy... Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 11:46 am
May Grandma Cuz rest in perfect peace! I wish your family strength and perseverence moving forward.

Comment by Black Ivy Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 12:35 pm
I would say sorry for your loss, but instead I will say I am glad you got to know her.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 1:18 pm
Thanks Rich, she used to love to read your stuff and later in life loved having it read to her! Dad

Comment by Rich Miller Sr Friday, Jun 6, 14 @ 1:45 pm