Madsen Overload

I have spent the past few days at my mother's house attending the funeral of my Uncle Jack. I don't know if Uncle Jack's funeral was a typical funeral. I have really never attended funerals that were not Mormon. I suppose it's my fear of my own mortality. Uncle Jack did have a beautiful service. It's sad when you attend a funeral and you learn more about a person after they die. I learned so many wonderful things about my Uncle. He was so funny and caring. I knew those things about him all the time, but nobody shares the other stories until they stand at the pulpit. I learned more about his sheep ranch yesterday than in my entire life.  I learned what "docking" was....and what risers were. Now he's buried down the street next to my cousin Michelle. I think it was -1 outside when we were standing there having his burial ground dedicated.

I think the only thing I found really disturbing was the viewing. The viewing lasted hours last Tuesday and then Wednesday morning. Poor Mary Lois had to sit there in a chair next to his casket and greet all the mourners coming through. I just can't imagine sitting  next to your deceased  spouse like that.  It's morbid...and when it came time to say goodbye to Uncle Jack I chose not to. I had seen his body in that casket long enough. It even spent the night at the church in the chapel. I don't know, I suppose if Evita Peron and other International figures have the same sort of viewing why not Uncle Jack. But really did Juan Peron have to stand there by her casket as thousands and thousands of Argentines viewed her body ? I am aware that this of the "norm" but I just felt so bad for Mary Lois.

Today, mom and I are visiting my cousin who is in the hospital with cancer.  She is one of my most favorite people on earth. She is truly a sweetheart. She is so positive, kind, and always caring. I love her and I am afraid to visit her. She is very ill with pneumonia right now. She is unfortunately skin and bones. So, despite my fears I am going. I suppose it would have been easier to see my cousin progress as she has. I don't remember the last time that I saw her. I am sure that she was busy doing something...always on the go !  I think later on I am going to continue with scrap booking memories of my family. I am sure my mother has some fantastic pics of Uncle Jack on his sheep farm. So glad it's not pictures of "docking" ;)