There are no words.
When we walked into the room, I was floored – while planning the flowers a few days ago, we thought, “Maybe a couple dozen in some vases we bring?” The directors at Pizzi Funeral Home (<—who were amazing) said people don’t do stuff like this anymore.
The outpouring was completely unexpected, even from my Los Angeles friends Melanie and Jenny.
My father believed people didn’t care about him. How wrong he was.
It was standing-room only, plus visitors pouring out into the hallway.
My brother kicked things off…
…once I shared my speech, the stories about my beloved father continued…
…and so did the music…
…ending with a performance of one of Daddy’s favorites, Verdi’s “Va, Pensiero” by The Metropolitan Opera Chorus (where my mother sang for over 30 years) that was so powerful I can’t even describe it…
…as we walked through and hugged each singer, hearing their beautiful voices and seeing faces I remembered from as long as I can remember remembering, an overwhelming rainbow of emotions swept over me – peace, love, joy, grief, happiness, forgiveness, strength, weakness, mourning, gratitude, loss…
…once the service was over, and I was done feeling everything – I felt HUNGRY. And so did everyone else at our house!
Couldn’t eat this giant melon my Uncle Tiger brought…
…but we did snack on my favorite – Chocolate Chunk cookies from Uncle Joe!
Everyone agreed Dunkin Donuts should start a cookie chain after trying them.
I only had half…
…just like at weddings, the hosts make sure everyone else is taken care of first!
Noshed on banana and lemon bread pieces between catching up…
…then Abe and I drove to Presto’s for some Chicken Parm Subs. We saw my daddy’s animal spirit on the way!
After everyone left…
…I finally dug into some pizza, courtesy of my cousin Jeffrey.
Along with my cheesy slice I ate the chicken n cheese outa my sandwich…
…then used the fig jam my cousin Grace made…
…for a fresh fig sandwich as dessert!
My father’s Sunday Service was one of the most profound, incredible experiences of my life. We have one more Memorial Mass today; not sure what other feelings will arise, but the mystery of life’s questions are finally being answered for me, sadly and beautifully, little by little.
Thank you everyone, for showing my father and my family just how special and loved we really are.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
It was such a beautiful service and I was wondering what that song was, it was so moving.
such an honor to have been there.
I like the group picture of everybody smiling. It felt as if you were celebrating his life rather than mourning his death
A wonderful way to say good-bye surrounded by people who loved your father, including the deer. You’ve been amazing through it all. XX
What an incredible day. How loved your father is and how wonderful that you could all experience it together. We are thinking of you and sending all our love from Peru.
So beautiful Lynn – I can see so much love…I watched “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” (for the second time) with a friend last night and thought of you and your Daddy – I really don’t know why…I just did.
Thank you for sharing in the love and life of your family…with love to you –
Natasha
The smiles on everyone’s faces are absolutely beautiful!
Your dad was obviously an amazing man and the service represented that perfectly. He was loved my SO many and I’m glad you were all able to come together and celebrate his life. <3
What else can someone ask to life but such a incredible family and so much love? For sure your father is smiling at his retirement place, very, very proud and happy after see all these people… and hummed the nabucco!!
I deduce Abe was the main phographer (he is not at the upstairs photo). If it is, congratulations to Abe, who was able to capture forever all those intense feelings.
it was mostly my dear friend joy, though abe did capture the picture of everyone right before his amazing eulogy.
What else can someone ask to life but such a incredible family and so much love? For sure your father is smiling at his retirement place, very, very proud and happy after seeing all you… and hummed the nabucco!!
I deduce Abe was the main phographer (he is not at the upstairs photo). If it is, congratulations to Abe, who was able to capture forever all those intense feelings.
Lynn, I’ve been reading all your posts over the past few weeks, and my heart and well wishes go out to you and your family. This post struck close to home, as it reminded me of when my grandfather passed-unfortunately, due to some bad blood in the family, no one had even told me he had died, let alone that there was a memorial service and funeral.
Sometimes we look for one final meaning when perhaps it doesn’t come at death but instead afterward, in our lives. Every now and then, I feel a breeze, and I almost feel my grandfather is speaking to me. I grew up in a religious home but these occasional breezes feel more powerful than anything else.
I am sure throughout your life, your dad radiated his love upon you, even without words. I hope you are able to fully embrace all your feelings and heal over time. Thank you for sharing this difficult experience with us all.
On a different note, by coincidence, my uncle (by marriage) also sang in the Met Opera chorus for quite a while! Unfortunately, I’m not very close with him, so I’m not sure which years, exactly. But there is a chance he and your mother knew each other!
My heart just clenches reading this, as my parents were just in Korea to visit me, and we all had a moment of “what if…” whilst they were visiting. What if…something happens and we can’t get back in time? What if…we don’t see one another again?…until finally my father boomed…STOP.
And naturally, for our father at least…quoted John Lennon:
“life is what’s happening when you’re making other plans”
Keep on living Lynn, and know that your words have continued to inspire, and push a few extra moments of parent-hugs into this gal’s life. So glad your father brought you into this world.
Lynn, I haven’t stopped by in a while, but just wanted to send my condolences your way – what a wonderful way to celebrate your father’s life – with family, friends . . . and food! Hugs!
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you, Lynn.
You are SO LOVED Lynn!!! As was your Dad! So looking forward to seeing you in person sharing this journey with you. xxxxx
A beautiful and touching service.
Lynn wish I coulda been there to experience. Thanks for sharing. Lots of love.