Memorial Day

I was very worried about how I would feel on this day. It's my first time back to the cemetery since the funeral. My husband had been back and warned me that it would be very difficult. I was fine until we pulled into the cemetery, and then I started feeling it.
But as we pulled up to the corner where Joey was buried, I saw a horde of boys mulling around. I wondered what in the world they were doing there, and then I realized I knew them. They were the young men Joey had befriended in our old ward. I wasn't sure how I felt to see them there. I was prepared for a more private moment.
As soon as we got out of the car, they came over and hugged Brett and I and started playing with Jimmy. Pretty soon playing turned into rough housing and they were sprawled all over the grass, moaning and groaning in fake agony. I couldn't help myself. I started laughing. It's exactly what Joey would have wanted, and I wonder if it wasn't him that prompted Sister Ivie to load those boys up in her car and bring them over to the cemetery. It was loud and happy, just the way it always was when they were at our house. Those are some of my most favorite memories of Joey: the sounds of boys running around in my backyard.
So, Joseph, thanks baby for sending your friends to comfort me. It made me happy instead of the sadness I was prepared to feel, and I know you never liked to see me cry. I love you, handsome!

12 comments

  1. so glad that you saw his hand in this and so glad that it didn;t turn out a sad day after all. hugs!

    corinnexxx

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  2. I would call that a tender mercy. :) I'm so glad that some of your sadness was turned to joy.

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  3. God works in cool ways sometimes :) I am happy to hear it made your day a little less painful.

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  4. What a special blessing! I'm glad you were able to have a minute to smile and be happy.

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  5. Anonymous2:38 PM

    What an amazing blessing that was for you. I thought about you all weekend and wondered how you were doing. You and your family are in my constant prayers.

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  6. I am so glad that God and Joey sent them to make you happy instead of sad! I still think of you daily!

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  7. Hugs Jen!
    What a blessing that was you for you that day!
    You all are still in my thoughts and prayers. ~Dawn

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  8. Joey was there laughing and playing also, at least in spirit.

    Your family has touched my life so deeply. THank you for sharing your family with me.

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  9. Your blog is beautiful to come and read. You touch my heart with every post.

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  10. What a beautiful thing Joey did for you that day! Your family is gorgeous, you are a lucky girl. I pray for and think of you all often.

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  11. Anonymous6:50 AM

    I believe Joseph was there and was playing with the boys too. He's there with you in so many ways. So glad this first visit was eased by a little laughter.

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  12. Jen, you continue to impress me with your courage and your positive spirit. I know you feel blessed to have had Joey, but I hope you know that Joey was blessed also to have you as his mom! {{{hugs}}}

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