I just returned home from San Diego on Saturday. We buried my grandpa and began the chore of cleaning out his house in preparation to sell it sometime in the Spring. In the days leading up to the trip, I had a lot of anxiety about going to say goodbye. I was pretty emotional and struggled to keep my tears under control. However, once I arrived in San Diego, I was completely calm. Peace overtook the sadness, and I was glad that Grandpa was reunited with my Grandma and whole again.
The funeral was the best one I have ever attended. It was a sincere tribute and celebration of his life and I only shed a few tears. My sisters, mom, cousins, aunt and I sang a musical number at the funeral. I had initially worried I would just blubber through the whole thing but I didn’t cry at all. We sang like angels and beautifully sent Grandpa off. It was a great experience.
After the cemetery, we went to lunch at my grandpa’s favorite Italian restaurant. We filled the banquet room and laughed and talked. At the end of the meal, my uncle passed around a box of See’s chocolates; Grandpa’s favorite candy. Delicious!
We didn't have much time to play, but we did manage to sneak in a visit to the beach and the roller coaster at Belmont Park. We also hit Point Loma Seafoods for a squid sandwich. TWICE! It was excellent. Here are the only pictures I have from the trip:
Me and my sissies at the cemetery.
At the luncheon, stuffing our faces.
Riding the roller coaster. Which, by the way, is wooden and rattles your brains out. My brother and I groaned around each curve like a couple of senior citizens.
At Mission Beach.
It was strange to think about not ever being at his house again, but it was alright. Everything about the week felt right. I am grateful for that. It was a wonderfully special blessing. My brother's wife had their baby girl late at night the same day of the funeral. We bid farewell to one family member and welcomed in another. The circle of life continues.
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