Prayers up for Coachlaw

[coachlaw]

I want to thank my family here for all the support. There's nothing I can compare this to. We're all pretty devastated. I'm here with Dad and that's what matters right now. I truly appreciate the prayers and well wishes. Everyone is asking, so here are the details of the arrangements.

Penelope Law
Memorial Service at Trinity Episcopal Church, Pass Christian, MS. Monday, Feb, 16th 2:30pm
Reception following at the home of my aunt and uncle.
Nearest airport is Gulfport/Biloxi. New Orleans is problematic due to Mardi Gras.

I know many of you would like to send flowers. Mom never saw the point in picked flowers. She said flowers should stay on the plant because then they're still alive. A picked flower is a dead flower. So in lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the Looziana Basset Rescue is preferred. She loved all animals, all her life, but this was her favorite charity. You can donate at http://www.loozianabassetrescue.org/

Thanks again everyone, and please keep the prayers coming. - Sandy

PS: If you'd like to call me, please do so. Please do not text. I do not have texting and I can't read what you send or who you are.

[Baby Tran Cat]

Oh man...so sorry to hear

[Root Canal]

Sorry for your loss. Prayers sent.

[slickfish]

Sorry for your loss Sandy.

[Gulfcoast13]

Prayers sir.

[shutout]

Prayers sent

[imhammer]

Prayers sent from Tina and I Sandy. Let us know if we can do anything!

[coachlaw]

I took Dad to the funeral director's place yesterday and we took care of all the necessaries. Thankfully my aunt has taken charge of the service arrangements. I was charged with choosing Bible verses. The Old Testament God is so vengeful, I had a hard time choosing anything that was suggested. Most everything I chose involved a shepherd and flock as my mother was just such a caring shepherd of the lost, lonely, and abused animals of this world. I know that the Bible verses about shepherds and flocks are not literally about animals, but they seemed to fit anyway. My sister arrived yesterday just as I brought Mom's basset hounds to a sitter for a few weeks while my dad figures out what he's going to do. I picked up my brother and his family this afternoon at the New Orleans airport. I got into town ahead of time, so I went on a special errand.

From 1970 to 1979, my parents lived in a small raised cottage in Harahan. Mom loved that house, and often wished that we had never moved. In the back yard is buried a dog by the name of Charlie. He was a dog of questionable parentage, but surely part beagle and part basset. To most, he was the meanest dog that ever lived. He was my mom's most beloved pet. One of the reasons she agreed to marry my dad was that he was the first man that ever came in her house that Charlie didn't bite. He's buried there in the back yard of that house. Today I drove up to the house on Posey Avenue and knocked on the door. I came unglued as I introduced myself and gave the reason for my visit. One of Mom's requests was that some of her ashes be spread over Charlie's grave. I know I must have sounded like a mad man making such a request. But the lady was so understanding and so heartfelt with her blessings that it made everything easy. I finally got ahold of myself and she took me in the back yard so I could find where Charlie was. I was only 6 when we moved, but I remember roughly where the grave was. Dad will know better as he was the one who put shovel to Earth. She told me it would be fine to bring the family back and do whatever we needed to in the back yard. God bless her. I was so afraid she'd think I was a wacko and tell me to get lost.

So I made my way to the airport with no time to spare. I've never seen the place so busy. Everyone wearing their Mardi Gras garb and thinking only of fun and merriment. It raised my spirits some, despite the terrible traffic. Thankfully my brother and his family didn't have to wait too long. It was so wonderful to get those hugs, especially from my niece and nephew.

Having everyone together here in this house tonight was such a blessing. We laughed and we cried as we all told stories about Mom. Some of the best were from the youngsters and what they remembered from, "When we were kids and stuff". There's nothing like a 9 year old reminiscing about their childhood. Those of you that know me, know I could afford to skip a few meals. I've been forgetting to eat the last few days. Tonight, we had shrimp and oyster po-boys, the first meal I've been able to care about having since Wednesday's lunch. Having everyone here, especially the kids is very good medicine.

Thanks again to all who are praying and thinking of us. I know everyone who lives long enough has to go through this and I am not alone. I've leaned on many of my friends who've already been through it. The consensus is that it will simply take time, but there will always be a hole in my heart. We've all taken great comfort in the fact that Mom said, "I know exactly where I'm going, and I can't wait to get there." She's riding her beloved horse Bobby McGee, and playing fetch with Charlie, and she's with her Momma and Daddy again. - Sandy

[lurefisher]

Bless your heart Sandy ! Good read ! I sit here thinking of all my memories with my mother . Prayers again to you and your family

[Ibtsoom]

Love ya brother. Wish there was something I could do or say that would make everything better but there's just not. I lost a very dear friend last July and not long before his death he penned this passage in comfort to someone else. These few simple words seemed to put things into perspective for me and remind me that in such a dark time there was light to work towards - however slow the journey.

"We can't hold on to this plane forever. We all pass and there are thousands of words of comfort put to pen and paper to help those left behind to sort our feelings. My experience is that nothing really fits. We hug our memories and wait till the pain turns to warmth".
-Bud Wruck

[dbarham]

You are a good man and a great son Sandy.

[plugger]

Touching , heartfelt account of what transpired while you were there .

[BretE]

Touching , heartfelt account of what transpired while you were there .

X2......I don't spend much time on this site. I see now that needs to change....prayers your way Coach.....

[coachlaw]

Once again my friends, my cup runneth over. TwoMack arrived with his bride Jennifer this afternoon, and this evening Ibtsoom and Curmudgeon showed up. I didn't even know they were coming. Neither Mike nor Bruce ever met Mom. I can't believe I have friends like this, who would travel all this way . . . . . . . .

[dbarham]

Once again my friends, my cup runneth over. TwoMack arrived with his bride Jennifer this afternoon, and this evening Ibtsoom and Curmudgeon showed up. I didn't even know they were coming. Neither Mike nor Bruce ever met Mom. I can't believe I have friends like this, who would travel all this way . . . . . . . .

Just awesome!!!