From Yesterday's Wedding Veil to . . .

. . . funeral flowers today.

Pictured here are our friends Leo & Jean. Today we celebrated Leo's life. Leo had 22 days notice that his body was full of cancer before he crossed to the other side of life last Thursday morning. Today Mr. Fun & I went to our little church to attend the memorial service. It was hard to find a place to park the car and there was standing room only inside the church.

I think 5 or 6 people spoke at the microphone--each to share a different aspect of Leo's life, and a friend who is a fabulous musician played "Amazing Grace" on his clarinet, and another musician friend played his guitar and sang a very upbeat version of "I saw the light." I think it doesn't matter how long a friend lives, we're never ready to let him go.

Lately many of us have seen the funerals of famous people -- rock stars and celebrities. A funeral of a friend or family member is so personal and so real. Leo was not a rock star nor celebrity, but for many in that crowded church, he was a hero. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and brother. For many of us he was a loyal, dependable friend. He always kept his word and he was always helping others. He had retired just a year ago and his wife retired just before the doctors gave them the medical prognosis. He will be missed by many.

I'm never quite sure when my tears fall at a wedding if they are some that I've choked back at a funeral. Living in one community for all of our lives gives us many invitations to both weddings and funerals. Both occasions keep our hearts soft.

Thank you blippers for all the fun photos and beautiful flower, landscape, and people photos here on blip, they help to lighten and brighten a day like this.

Good night from a very warm Southern California. Tomorrow is the 29th -- a day we celebrate every month.

Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol

P.S. Thanks for all the comments on yesterday's wedding veil and many of you agreed that the dancing bride video was a real hoot!