Yesterday, we celebrated Brady. My dear one. In many ways, it is completely surreal that he is gone. On another hand, he has felt gone for a while now. Or at least, he has felt “going,” if that makes sense. But death is really final. So. We’re here.
The day was a whirlwind. Getting everyone up and ready without panicking or rushing anyone. Kids needed showers/baths. Clothing was already finalized beforehand at least. But hair needed doing, which I really haven’t done much of for the kids in the past. We got it done, though. Loose waves all around. And then they needed a bit of makeup. Boys who never brush their hair needed their hair brushed. Things like that. Then, of course, the girls needed a little makeup, so we did that.
Finally, it was time for our first outing, ready or not. So to the cemetery we went. We had a really nice time there, and Brady got a BEAUTIFUL spot 💜 Some big tears were shed, but it was really nice and peaceful. Thank you, Carrie, for keeping the babies so we could go free of the little ones.
We went home after that, defrosted our hands, and finished getting ready. I hadn’t put any makeup on myself, and the misty weather had demolished my hair. Caught myself back up and we headed to the church.
We waited in a side room until it was time to go in. Our funeral director and pastor walked in first, and we followed. Our little foster bestie, right in the front, bellowed “HI MOMMY!” the moment I was in their line of vision. It was absolutely adorable and broke the ice beautifully.
So. It was all completely beautiful. It was SO Brady, I can’t even explain it more accurately than that. He would have LOVED his service. It was a healthy mix of deep sorrow and some excellent laughs. That perfect balance you want but is hard to attain. We got it, courtesy of Pastor Dennis, Wyatt Zacharias, and Stefan Krahn, who spoke on behalf of Brady. There was SO much love felt in that room.
I won’t lie. The part where everyone ate treats in the gym is a bit of a blur. I think I talked nonstop for at least an hour and a half. It was quite exhausting but, again, full of love. Of course later, when I flipped through the guestbook I realized just how many people I didn’t get to talk to! What an incredible group of human beings in attendance! Again, he would’ve been HONOURED by the numbers, the people, the tears shed and the laughs shared. He left a mark, that man.
The place cleared out before 5:30 (as per Dennis’s request on our behalf haha!) and my family and I went home. We put on comfy clothes. And we headed back to the now deserted church for pizza and running the day off in the gym. It was really, really nice.
I. Am. Exhausted.
But I am blessed. Beyond measure. There is no way to describe it. And maybe today, I’m just not eloquent enough. Maybe tomorrow.
Thank you to all who attended, whether in person or online. Our family feels incredibly seen, loved, and supported.
Goodness I miss you, Brady. And I’m happy for you 💜