Journal entry by Blanton Blackburn —
Dad's been watching the Masters. I went to say hi because we'd just gotten back from the store and forgot his Raisin Bran. We heard this crazy buzzing and I thought it was the big fly that snuck in last Wednesday, but it was one of those huge bumblees with a black behind. I yelled, "Dad! Jason! A BEE! It wants to go outside and we have to help it!" Ran into the kitchen and grabbed a paper plate and paper cup (also throwing cups into the air in the process). After a few minutes Jason managed to wrangle the poor guy into the cup and it flew away outside unharmed. That was very satisfying.
This week has been a flurry of activity- all the planning, timing, coordinating and organizing led to a remarkable three days of events. The visitation at Demaine's was the kick off. The 4 and 6 stole one more glance at our girl. I stole a kiss and held her hand as well. We gently placed a couple things in the casket for her to take on the road. Gorgeous flowers and gorgeous people.
The second event was the ho down we held at the house on Wednesday for family and out of towners, etc. It was super to see all of you who could come Tuesday, but being at home was LOTS MORE FUN than being in a funeral parlor. Food, drinks, rooms to escape to if needed, tears, and more importantly, laughter.
The third day was the doozy. It was quite something and unlike anything I'd ever experienced or will ever forget. We met the limo at the Club and got a ride to church. I think that was the fourth time I've been in a limo...first time was for my 21st birthday. Mom asked me what I'd like to do and my simple mind said that I would like to have margaritas and Mexican food. I'm all class. The remaining the limo rides have been for funerals.
...Side note here...me getting in and out of a limo is about as graceful as me getting in and out of a hot tub. There HAS to be a way to do it with style, but I haven't discovered it. I feel like I'm in a Carol Burnette sketch. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DOOR EVERY TIME. Yeesh.
I was very happy and privileged to be one of the pallbearers. I must say the the doors to the Basilica are snug, so I am glad that all of us moved cautiously as a team. The place was full of beautiful flowers and packed with caring humans.
During the service a dear friend's daughter started screaming. I sat there just smiling away. Even as she was being escorted quickly to the door she was making a racket and it was perfect. The little girl was doing for me what I could not...all I wanted to do was scream and cry and and hit things until I collapsed. I will thank her for that when she is old enough to understand and why my mother would have loved it! She and I made many cracks over the years about hiring professional mourners to follow our funeral processions just waaaiiiiiling and lamenting and beating their "bosoms".
The cemetery was next. Once Nancy's casket was in place, the giant breathtaking spray of flowers was set on top. Some flowers from Mom's garden were added among them.
Now for the fun stuff. After the final words from the priest a whole TON of us met up at Belle Haven for the biggest party. Wall to wall friends and family- it was so loud! I maybe had a chance to talk with 30% of the attendants and that was still so much talking! It was an amazing turnout for an outstanding woman. The place was full of so much love it is still staggering to think about. On behalf of Clan Blackburn, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. It has been the most beautiful and horrible last couple of months. We are grateful to all of you for your support, friendship and love. Nancy's illness and passing has reaffirmed my family's strength, reunited friends and created new relationships as well. She'd have adored that those of us that were able collected ourselves together. She would have exclaimed "I love them and I MEAN IT!"
The 4 and 6 will soon be 7, and this little dude is going to know all about 1. The yard is putting out much beauty already and is getting pampered for Matt and Andy's wedding in June. There are always, always, always reasons to Come Home.
Be well everyone. WE love you and WE mean it <3
This week has been a flurry of activity- all the planning, timing, coordinating and organizing led to a remarkable three days of events. The visitation at Demaine's was the kick off. The 4 and 6 stole one more glance at our girl. I stole a kiss and held her hand as well. We gently placed a couple things in the casket for her to take on the road. Gorgeous flowers and gorgeous people.
The second event was the ho down we held at the house on Wednesday for family and out of towners, etc. It was super to see all of you who could come Tuesday, but being at home was LOTS MORE FUN than being in a funeral parlor. Food, drinks, rooms to escape to if needed, tears, and more importantly, laughter.
The third day was the doozy. It was quite something and unlike anything I'd ever experienced or will ever forget. We met the limo at the Club and got a ride to church. I think that was the fourth time I've been in a limo...first time was for my 21st birthday. Mom asked me what I'd like to do and my simple mind said that I would like to have margaritas and Mexican food. I'm all class. The remaining the limo rides have been for funerals.
...Side note here...me getting in and out of a limo is about as graceful as me getting in and out of a hot tub. There HAS to be a way to do it with style, but I haven't discovered it. I feel like I'm in a Carol Burnette sketch. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DOOR EVERY TIME. Yeesh.
I was very happy and privileged to be one of the pallbearers. I must say the the doors to the Basilica are snug, so I am glad that all of us moved cautiously as a team. The place was full of beautiful flowers and packed with caring humans.
During the service a dear friend's daughter started screaming. I sat there just smiling away. Even as she was being escorted quickly to the door she was making a racket and it was perfect. The little girl was doing for me what I could not...all I wanted to do was scream and cry and and hit things until I collapsed. I will thank her for that when she is old enough to understand and why my mother would have loved it! She and I made many cracks over the years about hiring professional mourners to follow our funeral processions just waaaiiiiiling and lamenting and beating their "bosoms".
The cemetery was next. Once Nancy's casket was in place, the giant breathtaking spray of flowers was set on top. Some flowers from Mom's garden were added among them.
Now for the fun stuff. After the final words from the priest a whole TON of us met up at Belle Haven for the biggest party. Wall to wall friends and family- it was so loud! I maybe had a chance to talk with 30% of the attendants and that was still so much talking! It was an amazing turnout for an outstanding woman. The place was full of so much love it is still staggering to think about. On behalf of Clan Blackburn, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. It has been the most beautiful and horrible last couple of months. We are grateful to all of you for your support, friendship and love. Nancy's illness and passing has reaffirmed my family's strength, reunited friends and created new relationships as well. She'd have adored that those of us that were able collected ourselves together. She would have exclaimed "I love them and I MEAN IT!"
The 4 and 6 will soon be 7, and this little dude is going to know all about 1. The yard is putting out much beauty already and is getting pampered for Matt and Andy's wedding in June. There are always, always, always reasons to Come Home.
Be well everyone. WE love you and WE mean it <3
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