The funeral

I attended my first funeral yesterday since Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and it was much more difficult than I expected.
The funeral was for a good friend's Mom who was 95 and who also had Alzheimer's. She and I worked together for several years and talked about our Moms a lot. I call her often to bend her ear about stuff going on in my life and I hope I still can although now it won't be quite the same with her Mom gone.
I knew before I decided to go that it might be hard for me because I would keep thinking of my own Mom. I was right.
The service was at a local funeral home and was very nice. A Sheriff's Chaplain talked about how wonderful my friend's Mom was, how she smiled all the time, how she devoted her life to her children and always put herself last. A lot of what the chaplain said reminded me of my own Mom. He also read stories from the family about things they would remember most about her, which I thought was a nice touch.
The family and funeral attendees gathered at a social area in the funeral home afterwards to visit and eat. I sat with a former co-worker who I hadn't seen in a long time and some other friends. On all the tables were old photos of my friend's Mom that were displayed like in an old scrapbook and I liked that idea. My Mom doesn't want any kind of service, but people always like to eat and I thought what a nice idea that might be instead of a service. Then, of course, I felt guilty for even thinking such a thing. I certainly am not ready for my Mom to die!! No way!
But reflecting on it, I think God might be getting me ready. If something does happen to Mom ( I don't want to say when), I know God will be right with me, carrying me through.
So instead of a traditional service, perhaps we can just have an informal gathering, with lots of pictures and shared memories. I think Mom might approve.
I was so disappointed in the newspaper employees where my friend and I had worked. Out of all those people, only two came to the funeral. I get people don't like funerals, but you put your own feelings aside and go for the family.
Even though it was very difficult for me to go, I went anyway. It was so worth it because when I checked my email the last thing last night, there was a note from my friend saying how much she appreciated me being with her family yesterday. That note made it all worthwhile.
As I helped Mom get ready for bed, tears came to my eyes. I hate what this disease is doing to her and I still pray for God to cradle her in His arms and carry her Heaven.
And when He does, I'll be ready.