during the last two weeks of July we found out that our dad was in the hospital, fighting an infection and in need of a pacemaker. by themselves, each of these events are hard on a body, but combined they were insurmountable. Daddy passed from this earth the afternoon of the first Sunday of the month. Christian, Janet, Jim and Aunt Maddie, as well as Daddy's best friend Roy, and me, we had all been in communication, keeping each others' spirits and strength up as much as possible.
during all of this rehearsals for Aladdin Jr. continued (I don't have an understudy and due to our small cast size I - figuratively and literally - wear many hats and can't be easily replaced). our performances were the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month. also. the agony and the ecstasy.
I flew back to Texas to spend a few days, seeing Jim and Maddie again - the first time in a few years - and attending Daddy's funeral service with military honors.
I flew in Sunday, so that I could start meeting with folks early if necessary. Jim drove over from Pensacola, and we had precious time to catch up. it had been too many years! we ran around together doing arrangements for our Dad. Monday evening we drove down to Houston to pick up Aunt Maddie, and spent the drive time catching up with her. Tuesday was a beautiful day ... the weather was perfect, even for August. the church was packed to overflowing; there was even a TV monitor set up in the fellowship hall so folks who didn't fit in the sanctuary could watch the memorial service too. I read prepared words from both Janet and from me. I didn't dare try to speak contemporaneously, as I knew there was a likelihood I would break down. even with my script in hand, I struggled at the end, but Pastor Jimmy told me the words were beautiful. Aunt Maddie also spoke, eloquently and without prepared notes! and gave a loving tribute to her big brother. Daddy's fellow vets, all pretty senior folks, read a poem about the reasons for the folds of the flag, and folded the flag that was then presented to Jim. when it was time for the honor guard, only the family stepped outside, and we watched as there was a gun salute, as well as Taps played.
after the service was over, we had an escorted ride - lights and sirens - to the cemetery, and I got to ride in the fire truck with Daddy's "urn" beside me. the Pastor said a few more words for those attending, and Daddy was laid to rest with Barbara, and with their favorite dog. we drove back to the church to have a potluck meal prepared by Daddy's beloved community, and fellowshipped and socialized with so many of his dear friends. all too soon it was time to take Maddie back to the airport, with a quick stop for drinks and dinner (I was the designated driver so mine was "non") at a great steak and rib joint just outside of Houston. Maddie's flight had been delayed, so we hung out with her in the airport until we knew she was 90% sure to get on her flight. we even convinced her to play a much deserved "senior card" and got the airport courtesy personnel to ride her to her flight in a complementary wheelchair. there is no harm or shame in using a service that is provided to have the most comfortable flight experience possible. I think I'm getting close to the point where I'll start taking advantage too. I know it made Mama's last flights that she took so much better for all of us when we knew that her health and safety were taken care of.
on the Wednesday after the funeral, Jim and I again spent time together reliving memories and going through items at Daddy's house. we took down Daddy's flag that hung above the house for the last time, and folded it carefully, as we had seen the day before, and that flag will go home with me. I picked several more items that had very sentimental value to bring home to Janet and Joyce. Jim and I hugged goodbye and vowed to make better plans to see each other, and Aunt Maddie, and not wait several more years! and just like that it was time to drive back to Houston to catch my flight home. just as I was getting to the rental car return, the sky started to cry. my flight home was through Dallas Love Field where I changed planes. and all too soon it was back to work and reality and to the new normal.
what made it better, the morning after my flight home - I had taken that day off too - I met Joyce and Brian, who were in town to attend a gathering with his family, and we had breakfast together at one of our most favorite breakfast joints that make The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake. it was wonderful seeing her again! later that evening I attended the movie theatre showing of "Elvis: 68 Comeback Special." I wore my EP signature t-shirt - not a real signed one, just store-bought - and the gals who sat behind me later asked if they could take a photograph with me and the shirt! his legacy lives on even 40 years later! after the movie, I stopped briefly at the karaoke bar near home, and sang one song, but it was pretty hard to "bring it" given the last few weeks' events. it was nice however, to be in good company, with people who share my love of karaoke and care about me. the last weekend of the month I attended the 50th anniversary party for "our" theatre company. I was even quoted in a newspaper article commemorating the occasion!
(so, they spelled my name wrong, and she miss-quoted that our first production was really our third, but the actual quote and my title was correct!)
