Today is the final Wisconsin post mostly covering the joyful times following the funeral but including a few heart-grabbing photos as well. (Photos of the days surrounding my mom’s funeral were taken by my brother Tim, my nephew Caleb, Meagan, and me.)
The day before the funeral we all went to the church to set up. Debbie’s wonderful daughter-in-law, Amanda, helped arrange the front table.
The finished product. (Both Vernie’s and Mom’s urns had hummingbirds on them.)
Our church sent a beautiful arrangement with their prayers and love.
I spent a lot of time on Mom’s program and was happy with how it turned out.
Berit (sister-in-law) and Meagan, were such a huge help to me. I felt befuddled and disorganized after an emotionally draining week and my brain was doing a fine imitation of a cotton wad. Every time I would start wringing my hands and thinking, “Oh what to do, what to do?” one or both of them would pop up at my side, notice my problem, and solve it. They basically did all my thinking for me. I mean, how often is it that you have people in your life to do your thinking? Very blessed with these two women–for many, many reasons.
It was such a joy to get to make music with my family, preparing our voices and hearts to sing the songs Mom had requested.
One of my favorite stories of the pre-funeral day happened outside the church and concerned Steve and a moped. Steve was mid-nap when I told him I was leaving for the church to help set up. Somewhere in the midst of our marital (mis)communication (see cotton brain above), I didn’t realize that he had said he wanted to go, too.
So I took off down the road by myself only to get a plaintive text a few minutes later saying, “I was going to ride with you!” I told him to let me know if he wanted me to come back and get him but I didn’t hear anything else.
As it turns out, once he realized he’d been thoroughly left behind, he wandered out to the garage and spied a moped with a zoomy top speed of 40 m.p.h. Steve used to own a motorcycle back in his pre-Becky days so he figured he was capable of handling such a massively powerful machine.
He didn’t exactly arrive at the church with a roar; it was more like a tentative buzz. But at least he arrived to great fanfare since we were all surprised he actually rode that thing five miles.
As he was getting ready to head back to the house, the little bike did not feel like making the journey. A few fellas gathered around to lend their collective wisdom but it was only when Levi came striding up and did a few mysterious things that the bike decided to cooperate.
Meagan got a video of Steve taking off on the bike, accompanied by a round of giggles as he did the royal wave and roared puttered away.
Mom listened to my sisters and me sing hundreds of times over the years. During her service, we joined our voices to sing for her one last time.
After the funeral, we were fed by wonderful women of the church and community. It runs in their DNA to lend a hand to those who are hurting or bereaved.
Following the meal, the family gathered under a blue Wisconsin sky.
I’m so thankful for these siblings who all called Jo Ann Campbell, Mom. (From left to right: Phil, Ron, Tim, Ruth, Mark, me, Debbie. Tim is the oldest; Debbie is the youngest.)
Meagan took one of my favorite photos of the day–a shot of Nathan and me.
As a small boy, Nathan came to me for comfort so many times. Usually, all he needed was an arm around him; a quiet hug. It brought immense comfort when the roles were reversed and I felt his strong, gentle arm around me.
Following the graveside ceremony, and after our tears were dried, we made our way up to the little white church on the hill. It was wonderful just to spend a little extra time together, to talk, and laugh, and share more memories
Since my family is replete with music-lovers and mischief-makers, it didn’t take long for a few of the fellas to come up with a fun activity for the amusement of all. (You can hear the snickers in the background of the recording.)
I especially love how most of the guys are cutting up while Randy is diligently perusing the hymnal for the next song to sing. Gotta love ’em!
When I wrote about my dad’s funeral thirteen years ago, I mentioned that we used to come to this same church when I was a little girl. My mom would play the upright piano while I stood on the small stage and sang my little heart out, dreaming of the day when I would be a singer for real.
At Dad’s funeral, Mom played that ancient piano again.
At mom’s funeral, the old piano had been updated but was sitting in the same, familiar place. I played it in Mom’s memory and in honor of those long ago days when she accompanied my little girl voice and my little girl dreams as they rose to heaven.
There are so many memories of those few days that I will be sifting through in months and years to come. But the one I’d like to end with took place at the cemetery.
After the urn had been buried, after all the words had been spoken, and after all the prayers had been said, I got the sudden thought that it would be meaningful to applaud mom for a job well done.
And that’s what we did.
Standing in a circle of thirty–children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends–waves of applause rang out and surrounded the quiet, faithful, and great woman who had lived her whole life in light of the words that would mark her passing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Well done, indeed, Mom. Well done.
So sweet. Thank you for sharing the pictures, videos, and words. ❤️❤️
I love, love, LOVE that you applauded your mom… what a beautiful, heartfelt, sincere gesture. I feel like that should be incorporated at other funerals. None of us get out of this life without making a few mistakes, but to have lived a genuinely good life as a truly good person? What could be more deserving of applause than THAT?
Kristina,
That circle of applause was a beautiful moment.
Becky, Another beautiful and heartfelt post, you have such a wonderful way with words! The program for the funeral was so pretty and the table looked perfect with the flowers, pictures and beautiful urn. The country church was a nice setting, warm and inviting.
The photo of you and your sisters and brothers is a definite keepsake! I have one of my Mom with her sisters and brother and my Nana (Mom’s Mom), that I’m so glad they had taken before my Nana passed.
Kari,
Yes, photos like that are truly a treasure, especially when the people in the photos aren’t together very often. You never know when any one gathering like that could be the last. So glad you have some keepsake pictures to cherish!
What a beautiful post (as always)! You all honored your mother beautifully and I know it was such a comfort and a blessing to be surrounded by your family. Sending prayers up for you and all who loved her.
Suzanne,
Thank you for your sweet words and prayers. It was such a privilege to honor her at her homegoing.
What a precious, touching post; and how appropriate to applaud your mom for such a faithful life well lived. (Which this post perfectly illustrated in her children,grandchildren and others) I hope looking back at all these precious moments will bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead,
Sue Ellen,
Yes, those sweet memories bring so much comfort after a loved one has gone. Thankful we live in a time when memories can be accompanied by photos and videos.
Yes, what I would give to have a video (or even a tape) to hear my mama’s voice again.
Sue Ellen,
Yes, it is truly a treasure to have those snippets.
Beautifully written, as always. I love that so many things that were done are all so meaningful….the piano, the sisters singing, going back to the church of your childhood. And I especially love that Nathan was being your comforter. What a beautiful send-off.❤️
Lee Anne,
Yes, there is no feeling quite like being comforted by an adult child. It’s just the full circle of love going round and round.
There is so much to love about this post
*The program that you made for Jo Ann ..
*Berit and Meagan coming to your rescue ..
*Ruth, Debbie & Becky singing together ..
*The wonderful women of the church preparing a meal ..
*Pastor Steve waving as he rode away on the motorbike!
*Nathan comforting his Mom ..
*Love the church interior, beautiful pale green walls, the lighting, tall windows, sun light coming in thru the open door
*Loved that you and Jo Ann played the same piano @ the church ..
*Loved the applause for Jo Ann, ‘a job very well done’ ..
Great post Becky
Gloria,
You are so sweet to take the time to read that post carefully enough to be able to itemize so many things. That warms the heart of a writer to know that someone is really paying close attention. Thank you for sharing what the highlights were for you; that was so interesting to read your choices.
Blessings.
I’m not sure which was funnier – Steve on the motorbike or the men singing In the Sweet By and By. It’s nice that you were able to have some happy and fun times at an unhappy time.
Love the urn! My mom always had hummingbird feeders – even last year after she fell the first time, her visiting angel kept one filled for her. The program looks lovely!
Phyllis,
Yes, we were blessed to have so many smiles in the midst of the tears. The singing and motorbike did give us some good opportunities.
Thanks for the compliment on the program!
Very nice to read and see the pics of that week. Your blog always shows life’s stories in a beautiful way. Thank you. Ruth
Ruth,
Thanks for your encouragement and, once again, for all you did for mom over the years. Hugs to your family tonight.
What a wonderful send off you had for your mom. I read and listened and looked, all with tears in my eyes as I thought back to my mom’s funeral and all the love that was shared and shown at that time too. Beautiful tribute to a beautiful mother you had
Wendy,
Isn’t it wonderful that we both have had great mothers to celebrate? I know everyone doesn’t have that and I’m so grateful. Thanks for your encouraging words.
The gathering and farewell for your mom was truly wonderful and so very personal. She could not have wished for more from her loving family.
Liz,
Thanks so much. It was our joy to honor her in every way we could.d