The Bow Tie ... and spiders

In preparing to attend Herb Morton's graveside Memorial Service (Sun 7/19), the kids chose their appropriate clothing. Connor wanted very much to dress in "fancy clothes," which included a tie. When he learned that we do not have any ties out here (not even a bow tie?!), Connor decided he could make a bow tie ... of course!! He cut one out of that foamy craft material, which was blue, and then drew black stripes on it. He also spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to attach it - he considered pipe cleaners, tape and glue. I came to the rescue with a safety pin. Right before the service, we pinned on his bow tie, and he was ready!

The graveside service was on a hillside with beautiful views all around. Unfortunately, the hillside also had quite a few spiders. They were harmless ones, but their simple presence bothered a couple of the children. Connor, who has nightmares about spiders, snakes, crabs, etc, was completely unnerved. The poor kid ... once he had brushed two spiders off his legs, he just kept imagining them crawling all over his legs and he couldn't stand still. He wanted so much to be at that service, but he just could not do it. I brought him back to the truck, where he watched from afar. The bow tie was removed :-( I went back to get him for the actual internment, when people were invited to place a handful of dirt on top of the urn. But he chose to just watch from the truck. I felt so bad for him ....

But one thing Connor certainly is is resilient! At the reception at John and Marg Greer's house (Marg is Herb's sister), he had a fun afternoon playing with Herb's great nephews and was very gracious with Marg and John.

We felt good about attending the service. Present were Herb's family (The Greers and their children and grandchildren), a handful of the Greer's local friends, one of Herb's lifelong friends from Cape Cod, and us. It was a touching service and a very nice afternoon with new friends.