"Where My Husband Is Buried"

My heart still hurts every time I speak those words.

Today was Memorial Day "where my husband is buried."

I bought Duke blue flowers for his grave.

My parents and I bought flowers in memory of Rob for the chancel table inside the church.

The church was packed.  Every seat was taken and there were people in overflow areas by the time the service started.

The service was great - I really needed to hear the sermon that was preached and the music was inspirational.

Each glance to my right, however, brought a view of the vase of carnations.

These carnations are given one by one to the families of those who have died since the last Memorial Day.  They are to be placed on the graves.

And tears fell each time I caught that view because I knew I would be getting one this year.

The service concludes with each family (and I had lots of family there) going to stand at their loved ones' graves while the benediction is given and while the song "Precious Memories" is sung acapella.  It's always been such a special moment as we've stood at my great-grandparents' and then my grandparents' graves. 

It was even more so this year as I did the unimaginable task of standing at my husband's grave.

The service is followed by lunch with the most delicious homemade lemonade.

And when we were driving away, it started raining.  Just a small shower that only lasted a few minutes.  But it was enough to make me smile and think of how it rains on all of Rob's and my important days.

All in all, it was great day.  Great day of seeing family.  Great day of remembering Rob.  

Great worship service.  Great food.  Great lemonade.

Horrible Reality.

Because we were gathered "where my husband is buried."