I drove to Frisco on Wednesday April 11. My son was flying in from Massachusetts and I was to meet him at the airport. Thursday morning, I had a meeting at the funeral home to settle the matter. The funeral home would deliver Diana’s ashes to Stonebriar prior to 3 PM for the visitation. Diana’s brother drove up Thursday morning arriving in time for the visitation. He brought Diana’s Mom with him.
The visitation went fantastically well. Several friends flew in from various parts the uS unexpectedly. I had the opportunity to visit with over 100 friends and family. Stonebriar did a fantastic job. They had set up one of their meeting rooms with chairs and couches. They had snacks and drinks at one end of the room. Kevin (my son) and I had dropped off Diana’s pictures earlier and Stonebriar placed all of the pictures in the room. We had three 2′ X 4′ cork boards filled with pictures of Diana sequentially arranged from her early years to the last 2 1/2 years (when she had cancer). Stonebriar even ordered flowers for the occasion to decorate the room. It was really more than I expected and I was truly appreciative. We started to receive guests at 3 Pm and I did not leave until 9:30 PM. Yes I was exhausted – but what great memories I shared that day. I am so happy that I made the call to Stonebriar. I have been to many wakes in my life – however, this was an exceptional event for me that I will always remember.
On Friday the church service was held. Lots of attendees including many who had not come to the visitation. The service was so nice. The preacher had quizzed me on Diana’s likes, dislikes and events in her life. From that he made and unbelievable sermon. Yes, I cried my eyes out. After the service, there was food for all in the church hall. Lots of people stayed and we just chatted.
On Friday afternoon, I took my son to the airport for his trip home. I went back to the hotel and crashed The emotional stress of the past two days just caught up with me.
Saturday morning I picked up Diana’s Mom at a friend of hers’ house where she stayed and we drove back to Katy.
Although there will be no more emails from me about Diana, I have already decided to develop a web site and blog for Cancer Caregivers in honor of Diana. I feel as if I have lots of information to share with other patients and cancer caregivers that I will be able to communicate via the blog. Stay tuned, I will notify when I bring the web site and blog live. It will probably take some time – my mind’s creative ability is not back to functioning yet. As soon as the web site and blog are completed, you will hear from me.
It is going to be lonely. It was eerie yesterday to come back to an empty house. I will survive and hope to help others with my experience in the memory of Diana. Thanks and I will be back to you in a short time.
This is the end of Diary Of A Cancer Caregiver journey