What a beautiful memorial service today for Bill's departed Barbara. The rains abated and the clouds parted to reveal the blue heavens. A finer stage could not be set for a final farewell and celebration of the remarkable life of a woman and the loving family she leaves behind... delivered with a bit of light priestly humor.

It was the first funeral I've attended in four years... and a bit overwhelming to be immersed in the presence of God after becoming "disenchanted" many years ago. No surprise that the most moving part of the service (at least for this red-necked Ornamental) would come in the form of a country song I've heard a hundred times before. Listening intently to the lyrics on this solemn occasion really left a lump in my throat. The words really spoke to me, as I'm sure they did to anyone else actually listening. I will be reminded of Bill and Barb EVERY time I hear it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCvgXw-Bh04&ob=av2el

Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, wife and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and past where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
Then asking for His love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and past where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying

Don't worry 'bout me
Don't worry 'bout me
Don`t worry 'bout me

Bill, from all the responses on this thread it should be obvious that you have the support of many people amongst our Piscatorial brotherhood (yeah that technically includes Aunty and ltf365, too) that are pulling for you. Hope to see you back in the swing of things as the rivers come back into shape. It's what Barb would want for you. Until then, the water waits.

Take care and God Bless!
_________________________
"Let every angler who loves to fish think what it would mean to him to find the fish were gone." (Zane Grey)

"If you don't kill them, they will spawn." (Carcassman)


The Keen Eye MD
Long Live the Kings!