After Rick's passing away on Sunday, this week went by so quickly that I hardly remember the days, my son took everything in hand and went so quick that I felt over rolled. Between the transfer of the corpse to the funeral institute, choosing the coffin and discussing the ceremony just two days went by. On Tuesday my son emptied the room in the residence.
On Wednesday the coffin was open and exposed to visitors. In his hands he was holding a photo of his darling cat Arthur, over the coffin was a big Ferrari cloth, Toby's drawings and a book which Dario had added so that he had something to read during his trip into another world.
The next day on Tuesday the funeral ceremony took place. While a narrator read what we wanted to say about Rick's personality and Dario (son) had prepared a very touching and loving text about his father which he read too.
While watching the slideshow on a big screen aside the coffin, I thought about the wonderful life and marriage we had together, which not many couples can say after so many years. We lived together for nearly 54 years. We still could laugh together and also had very loud fights which the neighbors could confirm now after the ceremony during the reception ! Everybody in the neighborhood knew the name of our son, because Rick had such a loud voice that he wouldn't have needed a microphone. Our marriage was never boring we had a lot of adventures and fun together. No one could ever come between us. A good friend of us once said that he had never met a couple which was so depending on each other despite the freedom we both took for ourselves.
I want to thank you all for your kind words and the support you gave me ! Although we only know each other virtually with a few exceptions, you all helped me to go through these difficult times.
Please forgive me that I don't answer all your comments personally, I just have not the strength for the moment. I hope it will come back, but first I have to recover a bit. My son and grandson went the next day to the Garda Lake home of Nonno and Daddy, this trip was planned long before all this. It had been a pure coincidence that Dario came just this weekend when his Dad passed away !
Rick has been incinerated and the ashes will be dispersed on a later date.
He was and is the love of my life and that's why I choose this song from Freddy Mercury at the end of the ceremony !
Linking to FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE
Oh Gattina, on one hand, this is so sad; on the other, this is a beautiful tribute to Rick. I am sorry for the loss of Rick.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that people everywhere knew and loved Rick. And your son has been a great blessing to you both.
Hugs from Ohio
May his soul rest in peace! Such a handsome man!
ReplyDeleteVery dignified and well organized funeral ceremony! The credit goes to your son who has made all the arrangements.
Now, after all you've been through, Gattina, you should try to rest and regain strength. Hugs and blessings!
I've been thinking of you all week. More big healing hugs, Gattina. ♥
ReplyDeleteThe song is very moving. Your husband was a handsome man and strong. It’s easy to see why he was/is the love of your life and you his. His memory will surely be a blessing.
ReplyDeleteMay God grant you the strength to go on and be strong in all that you do...all with Rick's precious memories to be there with you. ((((( ♥ )))))
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry. It seems like his decline happened awfully fast. How wonderful to have had such a good relationship so many years and weathered all the ups and downs. What a great tribute to Rick. I'm so glad your son and Toby and Dario were there. Take all the time you need offline--it takes time and energy to grieve. I am so thankful you have good friends to support you. I know it's not the same as having Rick, but it will help. My heart goes out to you and I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI hit the publish button on my comment before I was ready, and I don't know if it listed my name or shows me as anonymous.
ReplyDeleteHi Gattina - I feel for you ... look after yourself ... it seems the family have been so helpful, so Rick can leave this world with many happy memories of you and his family and times on this earth. All the best ... just take your time - with thoughts Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou have done so well during these last few months knowing that your time together was coming to an end. As you say, you are fortunate to have met and married the love of your life and to have spent many happy years together. The Freddie Mercury song was just perfect. Take care my friend x
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely tribute to Rick. Funerals seem to happen much more quickly in Belgium than here. (It can take weeks sometimes to get everything organised.) It will take time for you to adjust to your new situation. Look after yourself x
ReplyDeleteGattina, I am so sorry for your loss. I love the words you spoke about Rick and your marriage. What a gift you were to each other. I totally understand how quickly everything goes and that you felt rolled over. It was the same when my Dad passed away at the end of March. There wasn't even time to grieve. But now you can have that time. I pray you have much comfort through your memories of your wonderful life together.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs. Take care of yourself and rest. You have had a wonderful life together. Try to take comfort in the memories.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSound like some lovely memories. I wonder about couple who said they agree on every little part of life. Don't worry about your blogger friend. Take care of your self
ReplyDeleteA great tribute to him.
ReplyDeleteTake all the time you need.
Gattina, I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I thought of you and had to visit your blog...so sorry about your loss and what a wonderful tribute. Big hug from your old blogging friend Mar (cela)
ReplyDeleteDear Gattina - I feel for you - but am so pleased to see your post ... Rick was special ... it's great Dario, Marieken and Toby are being of such excellent support for you. Take care and with thoughts and take your time, don't rush ... just ease in - Hilary
ReplyDeleteA Beautiful tribute to Rick. So glad youe son stepped up to the mark and organised the funeral and cleared out Rick's room.You had a long and fun time together and you'll never forget. Hopefully you will come good after the grieving. Sending best wishes and hugs.
ReplyDeleteGattina I am so very sorry to read about the sad passing of your husband Rick. Though he had been unwell and you have been under such a huge strain for many months I'm sure his passing still came as a great shock and loss to you. I love that he had a photo of Arthur with him.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of Rick reading something in the other world/realm.
ReplyDeleteThat was good of Dario to think that up.
Adelaide