I went by the cemetery as I was getting ready to leave Port Charlotte about 8:30 this morning to make sure they had everything they needed from me and to visit my aunt’s final resting place. They had ordered the year plate (2010) for her niche plaque. I asked if she was in the niche yet and they said that they were going to put her in there at 10 am today. They asked if I wanted to be there and I said I had to get on the road. I said that if I changed my mind I’d be back. I headed for the highway but thought about it for a few minutes. I knew I’d be upset with myself if I didn’t go back. I had about an hour to kill, so I stopped by Bob Evans and ordered her favorite: A bowl of sausage gravy and one biscuit. It was delicious!
I headed back to the cemetery and they were just getting ready to inter her ashes. I had no idea what to expect. Her ashes are in a nice golden colored metal box with her name and dates engraved on a little plaque.
As you can see, urns come in all shapes and sizes. There was a moment of silence and then the workers put the cover granite plate over the niches.
I’m so glad I was there for that. I think she would have appreciated the fact that I was there.
AppreciateS is better way say that. You ROCK Jon.
You did the right thing. You’ll never regret staying but, you would have always regretted leaving.
You might be right KLAW.
Right up to the very end, you did great by your aunt. She was a lucky lady.
I’m glad you went back too. It is pretty interesting to see the different styles of urns.
We interred my Dad’s ashes in the family plot. I was glad that I asked to be the one to place them, even though Dad was an ass, who died alone, 2000 miles from his family. It provided some sorely-needed closure. RIP, Aunt Ida.
Sorry – RIP, Aunt IVA. That’ll teach me to proof-read before I post.
You’re a good boy.
Lynne took the words out of my mouth. Bless you both. Hugs and Kisses.
Your aunt was pretty lucky having someone like you to worry about her and to look after her. With Bob Evans added in there, it sounds like you were able to say goodbye in a good way. Have a safe trip back.
you are a good man. i will be dealing with the same soon. been there before and once again it visits. glad you stayed for the internment.
An elderly soul. RIP
You did the right thing, again.
God rest her soul. You did a good thing, and I’m bettin’ she knows it.
Jon, My heart is with you here. I know how tuff it is. It is OBVIOUS what a huge part of your life she was and will continue to be. I love that you celebrated her with her fave breakfast. keep on doin so. She’ll be watching and grinnin from ear to ear
Now she can rest and so can you, I am glad you changed your mind and went back
I agree with Goddess and Lynne. Regret is one of the strongest human emotions, but you will never regret being there.
Forgive me for breaking the ice..
Iva let you finish, but she still has one of the best nephews ever! Best ever!
I have been following your recent posts about your Aunt Iva, for some company, I guess…my mom passed away last Saturday, and tomorrow I am picking her (ashes) up. Such a sad time, but I think they know, somehow, when we are there for them even after they are gone. You will never regret going.
I plan to scatter her ashes with my dad’s ashes this summer. I live near the ocean, and figure that way, they can continue the travelling they loved so much 🙂
The last month has been really hard, with her being ill, then a fall which resulted in pelvic fractures, and then dying. I could relate to your posts about Aunt Iva and did not feel quite so alone when I read them. Thank you for sharing your stories.
You did the right thing, Jonco.
Condolences to Toad
Jonco, I’m positive your aunt is glad and proud to have a nephew like you. Up to the very last moment, you showed how much she meant to you, and how much you loved her. You did the best for her, and it’s just incredible. I’m sure she’s smiling at you.
Jonco You will never regret going back to say the final goodbye. Have a safe journey home.
Condolences to Toad on the lost of your mother
Gods peace and let me know when the plaque goes on, i’ll try and send you a pic if you want. will really miss the port charlotte references and your happy times with miss Ida! Safe travels!
You’ll never regret being there. You showed your love for your aunt right to the end.
Toad, My heart goes out to you. It’s never easy but you’ll be comforted in knowing you did what you thought they’d like. I’m sure I felt all these emotions (maybe more so) when my mom passed away in ’95, but time has a way of easing the sadness.
In many ways my aunt was lucky. She had 90% or her mental faculties until the end and wasn’t in any severe pain. Her body just wore out. She was miserable because of that, but didn’t have the disease and broken bones that many her age seem to suffer. In reality, there weren’t many her age around. One of the last things we talked about was that life goes on. She said, “And that’s that way it’s supposed to be.”
Goodnight Iva. You had a long run with a loving and devoted family.
Thank you for letting us be there too, Jonco. She meant a lot to many of us. xxoo
What a thoughtful guy you are for going back and seeing her inturred….I know you will always have your memories of her-may it comfort you to know that there are others who feel your pain.
It sounds like she was a very lucky woman to have you as a family member.
My wife’s aunt passed on Sunday the 21st, from pancreatic cancer, after about 4 years-she was 88.
RIP Iva, and Auntie Helen.
Good for you – as many here have said. You would have regretted not being there.
Thanks for all the kind words.
I remember meeting Aunt Iva. She was a funny, fiesty lady. She was lucky to have you. I had lunch with Paul yesterday, and he was sure glad for all you’ve done. Bob
very nice! I’m sure she appreciated you being there, and maybe even enjoyed watching you have her fav at Bob Evens!