I don't even know what we did this week. I'm in such an overwhelming fog. My dad planned everything out (including writing his own eulogy and obituary) but there was still so much to do...still is so much to do! I tried to keep up my gym routine and be better about hydration since I just kept crying. It was nice to have my siblings in town to help with the arrangements. At one point, Matt was on the phone pacing in one room working on the military stuff and burial in Pensacola. While I was pacing in another room working with the church and Yacht club with the funeral. Fr. James was amazing and accommodated all our needs. FYC voted to close the club for the day for the celebration of life. Phil got us a room block at the hotel for out of towners. There was a tropical storm that canceled lots of things for Monday, giving us time to plan. Tuesday I had to do a teacher breakfast at the middle school (made the girls come help) then we went to FYC, the funeral home and then the church. Maybe that was the worst day. The funeral home was my personal hell. Upselling on a casket. Gross. All these wonderful people provided dinners and wine and snacks and helped take care of my kids. I stayed up the first few nights watching old family movies. The Kuklas came in town on Wednesday. I borrowed car seats and picked them up from the airport. Henry spent the night at our house so we got extra time with him. My amazing children helped so much, helping with the Kuklas and taking all the kids out on the boat. Friday afternoon Phil's parents came in town. I was running around getting things ready at FYC. That night was the visitation at Sacred Heart. It was overwhelming all the people who came. Seeing all the love for our family and my dad made me cry tears of joy, as much as grief over loosing my dad. Father James did a ceremony and then all the grandkids led the rosary. It was very special. I rode with some sistah cousins and we went out to Lillians for a nightcap. It was so nice having my best friends all there in support. Saturday morning I went for a run to get my head right. We headed to the church for the funeral mass. Voss, Abby and Marly altar served. Ellie and Steve read. Fr. James did a wonderul job with the homily. As per my dad's wishes, the five of us did the eulogy. It was hard, but the right thing to do. The celebration of life was perfect. Ellie did such an awesome job on the slideshow. Matt's girlfriend, Tara jumped in as event planner. My favorite part was at the end sitting around with the Betancourts and cousins laughing and telling stories. Sunday morning Phil's parents left early, Erik and Kelley and Logan moved in our guest bedroom. We did a last minute double Baptism for Conrad and Virginia (Fr. James to the rescue again) and then to TCC for pool time and dinner. Hello August heat. Katie ended up throwing a temper tantrum and left. Steve tried to fly back to CA but ended up getting out the following morning. We had a nightcap at Tara's. And now the first week of school. Here are the photos of the week.
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