Services for Daddy

Although I am still numb about everything, have heartbreak and a heck of a lot of tears...I wanted to post details of Dad's services and burial.  Since he lived in Round Rock since 1991, we wanted to do a service in Round Rock and then also Lubbock so that family could be there as well.  So, the services in Round Rock were held at the Cook Walden Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX on Friday, March 6th at 2:30pm.  A viewing was held prior to that at 1:30 for friends and family.  During the viewing Charles had prepared a video montage with about 60 pictures.  It was nice to have something going to make everyone smile.  It seemed like the line of people to see Daddy was endless, which is just a testament to who my Dad was.  After the service, many friends and family headed back to Mom and Dad's house for a dinner prepared by all my Mom's Bunco ladies.  They did a great job and it was actually nice to see the house filled with people laughing and sharing stories.  Looking back at the course of everything, I am broken in spirit, but then again forced to smile as I remember certain faces that were there to give me hugs and show love.  Friends from High School that I haven't seen in years, neighbors, family, just so many people there.  I truly love you all.

Saturday morning we all loaded the cars and got up early to make the drive to Lubbock, TX where services would be held at Resthaven Cemetery on Monday, March 9th at 1pm (visitation at Noon).  We had a lot of preparation to do for that portion, so the 7 hour car ride allowed us to do some planning while the kids all played with each other and took turns riding with cousins in different cars.  My favorite part of the ride was Cade listening and laughing to Nana tell stories about Papa.  Things like how the ride-able lawn mower accidentally ended up in the pool, "hamburger hill" in Brownwood, TX, throwing Mendy and I in the pool one time while we were fighting, and so much more.  I loved watching him listening to every word Nana said!  Once we made it to town, we joined my Mom's side of the family for a huge meal together at Freddie and Lynette Stanley's house.  I know my Mom felt so good to be around everyone on her side of the family and it was nice not to worry about another meal or fast food!  I miss being around extended family so much.  The next day, we picked back up on the planning for the service.  Most info stayed the same with the use of Psalm 23 and 3 songs (I come to the Garden Alone, Amazing Grace, and How Great they Are).  Pallbearers were chosen: Christopher Blevins, Jaxson Blevins, Charles Hall, Cade Hall, Harry Hays, Michael Parks, Ken Schoppa, and Ray Whitworth.  Honorary Pallbearers were of course Daddy's 2 brothers Clayton Parks and Don Parks.  To take a break from all the planning, Aunt Robin and Uncle Don invited us over to enjoy an amazing meal and have time to visit as family.  The kids LOVED the yard with the playhouse, while the adults got a chance to catch up.  Unfortunately, being so far in distance makes it tough to have regular visits and this was the first time the Aunts/Uncles had met Cade and Caelin!  I do wish we lived closer to share more of the "smaller" milestones in our lives, but at least we are grateful for technology and Facebook these days.  
At the service for Daddy on Monday, Reverend Corey Grunklee did an amazing job during the service and the grave site was beautiful as well.  At the gravesite, the Military played "Taps" and folded the flag for Mom.  Then, Mendy, Mom, and I got up to say a few words and release 3 doves.  The number "3" is significant for many reasons.  First, the holy Trinity.  Dad was definitely a believer and I know he is dancing with Angels (or probably just talking nonstop) right now!  Second, he and Mom would pass notes in high school and sign it with the number 3, meaning "I love you".  This way, they could never get in trouble if the note was found.  It still stands to this day that they sign everything "3".  Finally, the number 3 represented us 3 girls standing up there and letting go of the greatest Husband and Father we could have ever prayed for.  Although, I am certain he knew how we all felt, I just wish I had one last time to annoy him with my loud singing/dancing and whisper "I love you".  After the burial, we all enjoyed a great luncheon at the church that Uncle Clayton and Aunt Loretta attend.  I was glad we all had a place to eat together and see the blessings in the day as much as possible.  That night, we also had the joy of spending time with my Uncle Clayton/Aunt Loretta and Uncle Don/Aunt Robin at Clayton's house.  My cousin's Dana and Michael were also there, so we laughed told stories, drank wine and I even snuck in a few pictures with my two Uncles!  It truly made me smile and I loved it. 
The next morning, we got up and loaded up to head back to Round Rock.  We of course went by the cemetery to see Daddy's grave one last time.  We even made floral arrangements from the florals on ground for Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa Parks' graves.  They looked so pretty.  Caelin even chose a purple rose to keep cause she "loved Papa so much".  After that, it was a quiet and long ride home, but one of great reflection.  Looking back over the course of it all, I am at peace. How can I argue with God's timing? How can I selfishly want my Daddy here when I know where he is and the celebration he is having? So, while I long for that "one last" of everything, I know he is watching me and wanting me to be strong.