March 31 The day Of Lee's Service

Today could not have been any better. The weather was fantastic shirtsleeve warm. The plan was to halter the horses at 11 am, tack up at 12 noon, eat lunch and load and pull out of the yard at 1pm and we pretty much stuck to that plan. Sister Debra and brother in law Alfred arrived about the same time as Mom and Dad. The morning was quite relaxed except for me hounding Claire to get her boots on rather than her flip flops.

Jet and Spinner rode in our trailer and I drove Mary's new old truck in the lead. Mary followed in her new truck with her old trailer and Neveah and Fancy. We headed down highway 54 over highway 11 and down the trestle road, across the beautiful Qu 'Appelle Valley. We parked at the museum  and unloaded the fully tacked out horses. Mary had agreed to follow me but was a bit alarmed when we crossed the main highway as she didn't realize the plan was to go THROUGH the valley. She just stuck to the plan of follow the leader.

I was watching myself for any signs of emotion, tears what not and nothing came. Debra and I strapped on the saddle bags with Lee's ashes. At 1:40 we mounted up and we rode the short distance to the church. Once again no tears rising just simple joy. The weather, my kids and sister and a ride. What joy. Because the path was along a rather busy road it was important to be in the moment seriously. We had high powered horses that wanted to GO. Mary and Iris stood guard at the intersection so we could cross safely and ride up through cars and people to the lawn of the church. I started to see people I know and I smiled and greeted them and I was fine! They were teary and I was fine! It was sooo good to see them all.

Denise and Sasha

Neveah and Fancy

Claire and Fancy

Fancy with Claire, Sasha on Nevaeh and Denise on Jet

Tying up to trees was a bit of a production but accomplished in short order. I took the saddle bags and carried them to the church though a crowd and hugged people along the way. I smiled and greeted and loved the experience. Every once in a while I checked myself. Was I holding back? Where were the tears? Isn't this a sad day? Well I experienced joy like never before Really. I surprised myself. My circle the wagons friends were there. Wolfgang and Sandi and Marj Kent the minister in her fine robe with Lee's gifted stole. The larger family group stayed outside and Marj led us with a prayer and we followed her into the church with the choir singing How Great Thou Art. I was so delighted to see familiar faces. Barb and Lynne from Saskatoon, Brian and Marion Tudor at the door. I followed Marj and kept hugging people on the way in. I did choke up a bit as I placed Lee's saddle bags with her ashes on the beautiful table that held her pocket knife, 2 photos of her, her chinks and chaps, Bible and her pocket watch. I paused then sat down.

The service was awesome. I felt a moment of anxiousness immediately before I was called to speak. I mustered what I needed to do it and I did it. When I came to the part about Lee drinking rum, I realised when I said the word 'alcoholic' that my ex husband Wolfgang was sitting right in front of me! I blurted out that I wasn't  referring to him! Later after supper I asked him what he was thinking when I mentioned his name. He said " Well I knew it wasn't me who was the alcoholic!" which certainly was true.