Friday morning
Good morning darlings,
I am up and showered and have my hair done. As exhausted as I was last night after visitation, I still woke up at 5a.m.
But I only have to get through today. I can do it. I got through visitation last night and that was immense. So many people came. So many. The funeral home staff was astounded. I knew it would be a large turnout but had no idea. Of course Butch was born and raised here and this is a small town rural community. You know that old saying: everybody knows everybody? It's true here.
Anyway we had a private hour before the public visitation and it was very emotional for both me and the girls. So hard to see my strong vibrant husband lying in that casket. It hurt. But I know it's not really him. My husband - my butchie boy - is free and whole and rejoicing in heaven. This whole funeral thing is not really for him. It's for all of us who are left behind.
So the funeral is this morning at 10 a.m. and then we have the graveside and then a reception/luncheon at the church. Please pray that I have the strength to get thru all of that. I am not the most social of persons. I do fine in small groups or one on one, but that huge crowd last night was overwhelming. I was hugged and kissed and said thank you for coming at least a thousand times. Whew. Thank goodness my sil Judy stood by me and helped me with the names. So many people there that I honestly did not know.
The girls are holding up fine. So many of their friends came last night too. Of course, just like their daddy, they were born and raised here. I'm still considered an outsider since I'm from Houston. I still had people asking me last night, now who are you? meaning who are your people and how do you fit in here? Do we know you? Never mind that I lived here 30+ years. Oh well.
The boys are doing fine too. They have been swimming in the hotel pool a couple of times and lay night they stayed with cousin Brenda who has horses. Oh that was fun. They loved it. Brenda is keeping them again this morning during theservices but then bringing them to the reception afterwards. They'll get to play with their cousins there and that will be good.
So it's time for me to rise my crew. I just wanted to talk with my other family for awhile this morning. I love you all.
Vickie
Vic,
you are almost there...a few more hours and a couple of more get-togethers and you are home free. You perfectly described small towns...they need to know from whom you come...where you fit. I hope your strength holds out but remember, no one expects you to be strong all the time...no one expects you to hold up...it's okay to fall apart and it's okay to cry and smile through the tears...you don't have to talk...that's how these things work. Tears at a funeral are the universal symbol for thank you...I appreciate it. I'm glad Butch's sister is standing by your side; that is so important. Take some deep breaths and show those small town folks your big city class and your big city love for their small town guy...that's what they will be looking for...and you have shown them...the stories have already been told that you stood by him the entire time...you did what was expected so to them, you have stood the test. Again, I am so sorry.
Hello Jeannie.....I agree with everything you said.
This is the day she needs to be strong for one more time. Being the lady she is I know she will be as elegant as always. Who couldn't love Vickie!!!!!
I am also happy that Vickie's SIL Judy is standing with her as that gave her the comfort and support she needed.
I am totally worn out...I am too pooped to explain yesterday. I did on Vickie's thread. Sorry!!
Love you sweetie...hugs too...connie d
good Morning Vickie & Jeannie!
Vickie, it was good to hear from you on 'our' page! It sounds like you are holding up well and doing a damn good job of it. I cannot add much more to what Jeannie said so well. It is almost over and then you will have your time to grieve in your way. I am hoping you get away for some 'Vickie' time as planned. It has been a long, hard ordeal, and you were with Butch every step of the way. He is in a better place and you need to work on getting to a state of peace with all that has transpired this past year and your new life ahead. I have no doubt that is what Butch would want for you.
I will be thinking of you during the 10am planned burial service wishing you the strength to carry thru it.
I wanted to check in before hitting the road. we are going to our local Amish flea market & then Jazz's mom & I are taking her for some summer clothes on sale. Also hope to get some swimming in.
To all the ladies who follow...as well as Vickie & Jeannie...have a great day!
Kathy
Vickie-
You will be in my thoughts throughout the day. As Jeannie says you don't have to talk you can cry, smile, nod your head or hug people. To hell with what people think you can sob hysterically if that's what you want to do. Just do what you want to do and know that we are all keeping you in our thoughts.
Cindi B
Hello Cindi....I am just popping in to say it is nice you see you here today!
I am so tired I can hardly see straight right now. My phone completely crashed. I explained it all on Vickie's post.
I just took Vicodin and Flexeril. The pain and spasms tell me I did way too much yesterday!!!
I need to sleep now....love you ...hugs....connie d
Good morning Vickie and everyone...
Vickie....you know my love and prayers are on the way!! Honey once the service is over you will finally be able to take a deep breath. I am so proud of you and the girls!!! I am still there in spirit...right next to you!!
I don't find that surprising that there were so many people at Butch's wake. That just shows you what an amazing person he was...like you didn't already know that!!!! 
I am glad Benny and Reese are able to join all of you after the funeral. They will keep busy with all the other kids!! It will be fun for them.
As for me..... my phone crashed on Wednesday night completely....now my PC is about done for..UGH! You won't believe this!! Nic drove up from Iowa to take me to get a new phone. Can you believe it?? I ended up with a Apple iPhone 6. It is amazing!! Carrie called to talk about picking out a tablet. Nic and Greg (SIL) talked and what I ended up with was a Macbook Air Laptop. OMG..this computer is really something!!! Nic stayed the night and set everything up for me. He just left a bit ago. He was picking up one of his friend's in Minneapolis to go to a reunion. That Nic...he is something else...no wonder everybody loves him!!!
Well...I am about fried...every ounce of me is in pain...I really over did yesterday. I will just rest and relax and play will my new toys...and hope I can nap later.
I will check in later again. Hope everyone's day goes well.
Prayers for our wonderful OFF Family and their families. 
Special prayers for those in need. 
Loads of love and bushels of hugs ...connie d
