The Big "Send-Off"

Yesterday, Sunday the 13th we laid Larry to rest.  It was a beautiful fall day, a perfect day to hike in the woods.  No official individual invitations were sent, just an announcement on Facebook and my blog.  Yet, they came in large numbers--family and friends to pay their respects to a fine, loving man.  Flowers were passed out and so were Larry's remaining stash of cigars.  Ironically, there remained one cigar left, not intentionally and we all knew that one was meant for Larry.  Beneath the shade of the old cypress tree on the hill, amid the other century-old gravesites, we buried my beloved.  Included in his grave we placed the multitude of cards and messages that were sent, as well as his comical football hat and the lone cigar.  Daffodil bulbs were planted, and hopefully next spring we shall see a beautiful bloom surrounding the spot. This was the ideal resting place for my Larry, and I know he was smiling and enjoying himself totally immersed in the love and friendship of those gathered around on that perfect fall day.