Funeral services are always an emotionally painful event no matter the circumstances, but I felt compelled to get over to this one to pay my final respects and take the last chance I'll have to let JCG's wife & family know how much he meant to our little community and extend my sorrow for their loss. It's doubly awkward to show up to a funeral where I don't know anyone and essentially introduce myself as an 'internet-friend', however Mrs. JCG had been in touch with CousinFred so it wasn't going to be a total shock.
After quite a stormy night, I got up before the sun did and was on the road to the hill country to meet at the gravesite where our friend would be laid to rest, joined by his family, friends, and pastor. The day turned out to be absolutely beautiful for a road trip and an outdoor service, somber as the reason for it was. The flower arrangements were just gorgeous and the tags had been removed so I was not able to verify which one was from our group, but I know it was there among the displays of floral offerings to honor JCG's beautiful soul. I especially loved the large orange flower display just off to the side. There was a large portrait on display, including an easel holding a longhorn hat as well as a hat below that and another hat that was in the casket to be buried with him. We knew him as a man with many hats, and that was definitely on display during this memorial service as well.
The pastor had spent quite a bit of time with JCG while he was in the hospital, as well as before the recent downturn in health had begun, and confirmed that he had renewed his faith in Christ and had been appreciative of all the blessings he received & grateful for the protection of God during his hardest days.
Pastor described JCG just as we all knew him - as charismatic, devoted to his family, always sharing his bright smile, and so memorable that when the nurses who cared for him found out that he passed, they immediately broke out in tears. He talked about how in-tune he wanted to be as a father & husband, including having a tradition of 'brown bag dinners' every Wednesday where JCG would take turns with each son to see what they wanted for dinner those nights and planned the family meal based on their decisions. Overall he stressed that JCG was a powerful force and inspiration to so many of all walks of life and that no matter how or where you knew him, he was someone that would inspire you to be a better person. It's true for me. Pastor also said that part of JCG's last wishes was to have a fried chicken dinner and invited everyone to the church where the family attends for the reception. I couldn't pass that up (mostly because I skipped breakfast and was famished, but I also needed to pull my emotions together before I approached Mrs. JCG).
After drying the tears & getting myself to the church, the spread with fried chicken, potato salad, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad & cole slaw was a welcome site. I made my plate & sat alone in one of the empty far tables as everyone else found a seat as well. A group came to sit with me shortly and turns out the lady who sat down next to me is JCG's older sister, and he was her baby brother. I got to chat with her a bit about what he was like growing up with, and she said he was always cutting up, making jokes, and making sure everyone in the room was having a good time. It was pleasure chatting with her, as well as meeting her (grown) children & her grandchildren that were all there.
After the meals were eaten, I worked up the nerve to speak with Mrs. JCG and gave her a huge hug. I explained who I was and that I wanted to extend an offer for any help they may need, especially if the family set up a memorial fund for the boys college, healthcare recovery, or even a charity close to JCG. Told her that there were people all across the country that were mourning this loss right along side her, and that we all sent our love. I don't describe many people as 'larger than life' but that is how I saw him and expressed that to her, that he would never be forgotten, and that he had touched way more lives than those physically in attendance that day. She was very appreciative, gracious, and is such a strong woman that I'm so very glad I had the chance to have that conversation and give her a warm embrace (even if I was a complete stranger to her).
His sons are so handsome, tall, and resemble JCG so much, and while I didn't talk too much to them directly, I did shake their hands and let them know we were sorry for their loss and that their father was a great man. They had many friends around them, so hopefully there is a strong support group to help guide them through the upcoming years that will no doubt be difficult to adjust to without such a wonderful father in their lives.
Overall it was a touching & moving tribute to a man that has left a lasting presence on this board, to all who had the pleasure to interact with him, and to a character that can never be duplicated. I'm glad it was within my means to make it to this burial service and truly hope we all can continue to share memories of JCG & keep his legacy alive with the lessons, quirks, jokes, & positive spirit he instilled over the years.
