Nomad Life - Day 68

Today was a bittersweet one, since it was the day when a beloved cousin, Bonnie, was going to be laid to rest while I was in attendance.  Before this trip, I would never have expected that I'd be able to be in Hobbs with such short notice but the timing worked perfect for me.  After seeing my cousins the previous evening, I knew everything had aligned for a reason and was looking forward to being part of the Celebration of Life.  I got a late start, though, since I didn't wake up until after 0630 and first had to confirm that my work colleagues were OK without my attendance at some meetings.  My company was wonderful, offering me two days to spend with my family, and that allowed me to wrap up the work I'd planned and turn off all of my electronic equipment for the rest of the day.  When I looked outside, it was clear that the thunderstorms from the Roswell area must have also hit Hobbs overnight - the parking lot of the hotel was soaked.  I ate breakfast at my hotel (Econo Lodge) and then (0830) departed for St. Helena Catholic Church.  By the time I arrived, the rest of my cousins and family friends had begun to convene for a Rosary Service.  As we entered the church, I was startled to see an open casket near the Altar but, reluctantly, I got myself in line to pay my respects.  I've thought of Bonnie as a second mother so it was hard to see her this way - I didn't even do the same for my own mother because it seemed to "final" and I didn't like that feeling.  Somehow, though, I was able to pass by without losing it and then found a seat with several of my cousins.  In the background, Jacob (husband of my cousin, Erin) was playing beautifully on the piano.  A powerful and moving Rosary was coordinated by Ellen and David and, when it was completed, we had a break of about an hour.  I used some of this time to greet late-arriving relatives but also visited the nearby St. Helena Catholic School to make an in person donation.  Since Bonnie had been such a patron of the school, I expressed my commitment to try to do the same in the future and the Principal seemed very pleased.  Heading back to the church, I visited some more before going inside for the Funeral Mass (1030).  I ended up sitting next to Bonnie's business secretary (Shirley) and her daughter - this was the first time we'd met and it was wonderful to make the connection.  The subsequent service was very well done, with beautiful music selections, memorable eulogies (by Kathy and Father Rufus, Bonnie's priest friend), moving displays of respect and a full church.  After it ended (1145), we exited the church and found what seemed to be the entire Hobbs Police Department awaiting the funeral procession's departure.  I got into a car with Shannon and Sean and we followed a long line of cars through the streets of the town - almost all of the major roads were blocked and I'm sure residents of Hobbs wondered who the important personage was that was passing.  Arriving at Prairie Haven Cemetery (on the southeast side of Hobbs), we made our way to the family plots and joined a large crowd of family, friends and admirers for a graveside service.  Father Rufus said some wonderful words and Bonnie's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren laid flowers on the casket.  When this last farewell was completed (1245), I paid my respects to my deceased relatives nearby, including my cousin Chuck, who died during the early months of COVID-19 - I miss him greatly.  Shannon and Sean helped me find the lone and isolated stone of my Uncle Rob - during this window, I got to talk to my cousin, Mary, who hadn't been able to attend.  Next, we headed to the Hobbs Country Club for a reception and yet more visiting and reminiscing.  There was some good food there too (a light lunch) - everyone seemed satisfied with how well the day had gone.  Shannon and Sean took me back to St. Helena's so I could retrieve my car and then I went to my hotel room to change and recharge.  During this time, both Mollie and Brenna contacted me to talk about the Facebook Live streaming of Bonnie's funeral (they wanted more details of how the day had gone and I gave them as much more context as I could).  I might have fallen asleep at that point but had instructions to get some beverages for the family - at 1755, I picked them up at the Family Dollar that was located next to my hotel.  Proceeding next to Bonnie's home, I found nearly every relative had arrived for an evening of relaxing and visiting.  During the next few hours, I joined in with them, meeting some new people in the process and hearing some good stories from Bonnie's life.  There were some ND folks there, both Trish's friends from the Class of '85 and one Development Representative - I talked with both.  I ate some good food ("dinner") and had a few drinks (toasting in Bonnie's honor) before the evening was complete - by 2115, I was one of the last to depart.  Back at my hotel, I was able to get two more miles of walking nearby and completed my 10K step goal again.  In my room, I did a little reading but felt quite exhausted.  As a result, I didn't do a lot of reading or games or puzzles like I normally do - instead, I settled into bed at about 2230.  I fell asleep quickly.  Farewell, Bonnie - and thank you for everything!