Final Ride
Dear Dad,
Today was hard. So hard.
Ken and I took you on your final ride.
While planning your service I found myself wanting to call you to update you on what we were planning. To tell you that Lana was letting us bring your Harley inside the funeral home! Show you the urn that we found for you. Talk to you about the photos that I found for the slideshow that Jeanne put together. I included photos from your military days, all of your bands, through to this summer with your grandkids.
We did everything with you in mind. We wanted everyone who walked into the funeral home to feel your presence, to think "Wow. Bob would have LOVED this." Honestly, I think you would have. Ken had your bike detailed and it looked stunning.
We took the scenic route to the cemetery, down past Abbott's, the Lake house, Schaller's, and on the parkway. There were so many bikes despite the rainy/cool morning. Ken and I lead on your bike, following the Patriot Guard. I held your urn on my lap and I wore your leather jacket (despite it being huge on me). It was the first time I have ever ridden on a motorcycle with someone other than you driving, but you were with us. I could feel you there with us.
A LOT of people went to the cemetery. The honor guard was there to fire the volley of three rifle shots. Taps was played. I will never hear Taps again without crying. I received your flag.
I left a photo of Ken, myself and our families with your urn. We took it the weekend before at Stokoe Farms when we took the kids for the petting zoo, pumpkins, the corn maze, etc. You would have loved hearing about it. The kids had a great time together.
It has only been 12 days. It feels surreal. I can't wrap my mind around not hugging you again.
I miss you.
As I said today in my eulogy: I love you, Dad. Yesterday, today, and for all of my tomorrows.
- Luen
Today was hard. So hard.
Ken and I took you on your final ride.
While planning your service I found myself wanting to call you to update you on what we were planning. To tell you that Lana was letting us bring your Harley inside the funeral home! Show you the urn that we found for you. Talk to you about the photos that I found for the slideshow that Jeanne put together. I included photos from your military days, all of your bands, through to this summer with your grandkids.
We did everything with you in mind. We wanted everyone who walked into the funeral home to feel your presence, to think "Wow. Bob would have LOVED this." Honestly, I think you would have. Ken had your bike detailed and it looked stunning.
We took the scenic route to the cemetery, down past Abbott's, the Lake house, Schaller's, and on the parkway. There were so many bikes despite the rainy/cool morning. Ken and I lead on your bike, following the Patriot Guard. I held your urn on my lap and I wore your leather jacket (despite it being huge on me). It was the first time I have ever ridden on a motorcycle with someone other than you driving, but you were with us. I could feel you there with us.
A LOT of people went to the cemetery. The honor guard was there to fire the volley of three rifle shots. Taps was played. I will never hear Taps again without crying. I received your flag.
I left a photo of Ken, myself and our families with your urn. We took it the weekend before at Stokoe Farms when we took the kids for the petting zoo, pumpkins, the corn maze, etc. You would have loved hearing about it. The kids had a great time together.
It has only been 12 days. It feels surreal. I can't wrap my mind around not hugging you again.
I miss you.
As I said today in my eulogy: I love you, Dad. Yesterday, today, and for all of my tomorrows.
- Luen
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