Following the memorial service there was no ceremony set for the graveside - however, the immediate family visited the cemetery to see Mom&Dad's headstone and to find Gene's, not as ceremony but just to touch bases - as none of us had been to visit since Dad's funeral in 1980, none of us remembered just where these headstones were, so there we were, some 19 of us spread out amongst the rows of headstones looking for our two markers...
Gene's remains were moved from a cemetery in Southern California to the Winton Cemetery shortly after Cindy moved back north - Mom wanted him to be close to home - Moms are like that...
It was important to Christian, particularly, to see his Dad's gravesite - it was for Jennifer and Dustin, as well... |
Gene was a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps, something he was most proud of - his nickname, Ferris, came from his high school days when he was considered a big wheel on campus...
It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood - it was good to find Mom&Dad's headstone, to give a piece of closure for this part of our individual journeys - and, to see Mom's new home...
Mike and Doug did a wonderful job with Mom's urn - along with her ashes we included in the urn and vault a photograph of the extended family from one of our Thanksgiving gatherings, an American flag, a set of crochetting needles, some yarn, Mom's favorite photo of Dad, and the leather-bound Bible she kept in her car...
Mom's urn in the special vault - next to be placed beside Dad...