I am posting this picture as big as I can so you can see it better.
My chest and throat are full of feelings as I share this astonishing picture.
Pictured are from left to right.
Dad, Grandpa Glyman, Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Mel.
I saw this picture for the first time on Sunday night at Uncle Mel's wake.
We sat, cousins and siblings, watching a delightful slide show of pictures from Mel's life.
This picture flickered past and I was charmed by our dads darling little face and posture.
I went looking to see if the picture was on one of the many posters full of pictures around the room.
When I found it I went looking for my cell phone so I could have a copy. (Janet put my phone and keys in her purse for me. I will tell you a funny story about this in a day or two.)
So I stood among the flowers and snapped many pictures. I tried to stand very still, holding my breath, to get a crisp image. I teetered a bit...but did the best I could.
Last night I uploaded the picture and ran it thru photoshop.
In photoshop I could enlarge the image and see it better.
I think behind the car may be an airplane.
Do you think that is what that is?
And in the small image I noticed our dad's hand was funny. What was he doing with his hand?
As I enlarged and messed with the contrast I found that dad is holding a toy or something.
By the way he is holding it and from the best I can surmise... I think it just may be an airplane.
Serendipity.
****
As much as Uncle Mel was a blessing to his family,
he was incredibly blessed by them. His sons, daughter in laws and grandchildren adored him and took beautiful
care of him as she aged and eventually became ill.
He took care of them.
Then they took care of him.
The boys, Richard and Paul, are both pastors.
They are both remarkable men.
The funeral service was extraordinary.
I wish you could have been there.
My heart was broken and my soul was assured and comforted.
And we laughed.
"Laughter thru tears is my favorite emotion."
~SM
We laughed.
We cried.
We mourned.
We loved.
They boys will be okay. They will miss their dad greatly. But they know where he is and that one day there will be a very precious reunion.
Thank you for your prayers. They were felt and appreciated.
With love,
Donna
A treasure in the midst of it all. Sounds like your Uncle Mel and his family are treasures.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
I have been thinking of you all weekend, Donna, and hoping that your gathering would be this for you. The necessary sorrow of loss, but wrapped in the love of your family. I am glad that you are comforted, but I am deeply sorry for your loss. When that last member of a generation dies, it is jarring.
ReplyDeleteAnd that picture...what an absolutely gorgeous family. Just look at that incredible hair (-: Can you imagine how much time this generation spent getting dressed? No wrinkled shorts and flip flip flops. Always dressed to the nines. We were raised right on the cusp of that changing, for I can still remember my father's lecture on dressing properly when flying. I think of it every time I see someone in their jammies on a flight (no judging...just thinking of dear ol' dad.)
Love to you,
Di
This post has me in tears. So glad your dear Uncle Mel had so many people who cared for him and that his service was so beautiful. So sad to think of all the losses Uncle Mel endured - his parents, his siblings, wife and three children before it was his time to go. What a strong man he must have been. So glad you found this treasure of a photo and that you spent time laughing and crying with those you love. Prayers continue for the Glymans. Love to you, dear Donna. Mean it.
ReplyDeleteMary Z
I can see your whole family in those four people in the picture. Their spirit and love will continue to live on in your lives here on earth.
ReplyDeleteFor all you have endured, you all let love win. That is huge.
I have tears of love, sympathy and comfort for you.
Thank God for technology. : )
Love,
Sarah P. from Iowa
What Sarah P said (-:
DeleteDi
{{{LOVE}}}
DeleteDonna, I am so glad your Uncle Mel's service was so wonderful. Isn't it a blessing to be able to truly celebrate's someone's life? Even amidst tears. Like Diane, what I noticed in the photo is the beautiful hair this family had and the beautiful way they are dressed. That's where that wonderful thick hair you and your children have came from! Photography is so important. It is the only way to capture a moment and be able to experience it over and over. Continued prayers for you and your family. You are right, that reunion will be so sweet.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Z.
Love the picture and love the quote. It's my favorite emotion too! :) You've been in my prayers even when I don't comment. Thanks for sharing your special family with us.
ReplyDeleteSandy C.
Donna, I am so sorry about your Uncle Mel. It sounds like the funeral was beautiful - he must have been a good man to raise such wonderful sons. What a great picture! I think your uncle looks so much like your brother....
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs and prayers to you dear Donna - I am so glad to read that it was a blessed time for all. Tears and laughter mingled is the sign of a special gather in. This photo is amazing xxx
ReplyDelete*gathering*
DeleteJoy and tears, thanksgiving and sorrow...how precious that time with your family this weekend must have been. My husband who learned to fly as a teen says he is 99% sure that is an airplane behind the car. As Di pointed out, you have a picture of your family so sweetly endearing and they all look so spiffy, too. We continue to keep you in our prayers here. As Uncle Mel would say, "God Bless You!" love and prayers, jep
ReplyDeleteAnd a flying plane just off the left wing.
ReplyDeleteI spotted that a few hours ago. I'm glad you see it too!!!
DeleteMy beloved Aunt passed away in May. Her son did the most wonderful slideshow at the service and I was able to download it. There were lots of photos I'd never seen. Another cousin and I have been scanning or copying photos for one another, photos we had always assumed each other had. Grandma and Grandpa in 1950, their children as young adults and the cousins as cute little blonde girls. Sympathies on the loss of your Uncle Mel and thank you for sharing that great family photo.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Glyman's tie is cute!
ReplyDeleteI wrote a comment that got lost. But I wanted to tell you that this is one of my favorite posts. Your writing is elegant and economical. There is something satisfying—clean—about a funeral of a person who lived life well. Sad and uplifting simultaneously. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol, for your encouraging and kind comment.
Delete