It's been a long week. I picked up Larry's cremains on Wednesday afternoon and sent them overnight to Illinois. Dark and early Thursday, I boarded a plane for Chicago, and arrived at Rockford, IL late morning.
The families got together for and early dinner to tell 'Larry' stories and to go over a few things. Friday was a beautiful, sunny day, although a wee bit on the windy side.
I planted a few of his favorite things by the Krug family plot marker: an Autumn Brilliance fern, his favorite fern; a hosta Forbidden fruit, which he picked for the front of the house several years ago; and some winter aconite, which was his latest addition to the 'likes' list.
We had a small, but beautiful service graveside. Larry's grandchildren all paid their respects and spoke. I was the only one that didn't speak. I tried, but I couldn't. It was just too hard.
We went back to Barb Krug's home (wife of Gary Krug, Larry's brother) for a light lunch and more story telling. We again went for an early dinner (ok, so it was during the senior citizen hour!). Barb picked me up at 2:40am (1;40am Eastern) to get me to the bus station to head back home. When I finally arrived at BWI, my baggage claim was at one end of the terminal and regional bus stop at the other. Yep, you guessed it… I got there just as the bus was pulling out.
I eventually got home around 11:30, where I had to brace myself to enter the house. It could have been a sunny, 85 degree day, but the house still would have felt cold and empty.
Those of you that have lost a loved one understand the pain I'm feeling right now. It will take time, but I'll get through this. Every time I close my eyes, he's there. He was and will continue be a source of strength for me. I love him and I miss him.
