Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary

Katie, Jimmy and I got there at 5. We didn’t get up to the casket(which was closed) until 8. There was a line behind us longer than any I’ve ever seen for any event in my life. It was twice as many people than there were for Katie and Brandi’s funerals. Simply AMAZING to see how many people’s lives Simmy touched. It was strangely wonderful to see my teachers there, and old friends. I hate that the circumstances had to be as they were, but seeing everyone and being there was so comforting and I feel like i got good closure from it all.  I saw Mme. King and then Amy.  I wish Caitlin had come. 
The thing that broke my heart the most was talking to Simmy’s wife. That was her sweetheart lying behind her. She has got to be one of the strongest women in the world to be able to endure losing the love of her life. I tried to stay composed and not think of it, but when it came my turn to shake her hand and hug her, I started sobbing. I didn’t know what to say first…. I told her she had to be such a strong person, and she said Simmy must’ve given her a boost of strength, because talking to all of those hundreds of ppl had to have been so tiresome. Then, I broke down again as i told her that BECAUSE of Simmy, i was following my dreams, and doing what i am doing today. She told me that many ppl had said that to her… I met Simmy’s brother! It was as if i was talking to Simmy with white hair! He had the same mannerisms, and he opened his eyes real wide and stretched his arms out to hug me JUST like Simmy would have, as I told him I was an old student of Simmy’s. He even spoke like Simmy does….
He was telling me that he’d just returned from being abroad for 20+ years on a boat, and Simmy was gone, just like that.
He said, “You know, at least Gary was having fun, riding his motorcycle, doing what he liked….but you know, SLOW THE HELL DOWN!”
I laughed so hard, because that is EXACTLY what Simmy would have said.

I really want to thank James for being there for me. I hadn’t really had a good talk with him for a while…. he was gone all summer in Thailand, and when he came home, i was working, and then I left for school. But he called me and wanted to go with me. He said he wanted to be there with me. And he was. Just stood there with me. It really meant a lot. We dropped him off at home, and i didnt get out of the car to hug him or even say thank you. And as katie and I drove away, i realized i damn well should have. I called him.
– Anyway, I do feel a ton better. Not that the purpose of going to Simmy’s funeral was to make ME feel better, but in a way, yes… that’s what funerals are for. But, I’m going to end this now.  I am very tired.
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On a lighter note, my Daddy got me chocolates for Sweetest day.  I love my Daddy.  He’s my sweetheart even when no one else will be. ♥