I worked this morning, got gas in the Jeep, then came home and had a few bites of my popcorn. I was able to walk later in the afternoon when I got home and it quit raining.
At 2pm I left to meet Nate and Jen at Pantalone’s Funeral Home for Mark Smail’s viewing. We waited outside in line for almost two hours, and thankfully it did not rain the whole time we were outside. I was pleased to see several people that used to be routine people in my work life. And every one of them came up to me! Lee, Linda, Chuck, Jon and Jackie. I also saw people from a distance that I recognized but you did not dare leave your place in line!
I have honestly never seen so many flowers at a viewing in my LIFE. There must have been at least 100 baskets or vases or bouquets, plus lanterns and wind chimes and stepping stones. Amazing. I was so glad that Nate and Jen were with me, since it was such a long line and a long wait. When I finally inched up to the family, Kelly (Mark’s wife) hugged me and said, “I KNEW you would come! I knew it!”
I understand that there was a family and close friend viewing last night that everyone attended. Today I talked to Kelly, then Taylor and Marcus (Mark’s grown children) who are very sweet and beautiful. Kelly had her sister there for moral support. Kathy Smail Johnson (and her husband Ron) were there, as were their two grown children Megan and Christopher. Ellen (Mark’s Mom) looks just the same, only her hair is gray rather than the dark it used to be. She looked a little frail and small but was the stalwart that she has always been. Jeff Jr. was there, and Lindsey. The rest of them were taking a break. I may get to say hello tomorrow at the funeral.
(From Kelly’s facebook page)
Being there among old friends, employees, and Smail family was refreshing despite being sad. Paying honor to Mark’s life, and his family legacy. I was privileged to be a part of the Smail ‘family’ for 52 years, and glad to be well received despite the circumstances. I wish them all peace and comfort in the times ahead. My heart is sad.
TRIVIA: In Which year did Art Rooney Sr. purchase the NFL franchise that would become the Pittsburgh Steelers? Answer tomorrow. (Mark was a HUGE Steeler fan – There was a Terrible Towel tucked in his hands plus a bottle of his favorite beer at his side!)
PEANUTS Thought of the Day:
TOMORROW February 23rd is:
Pinocchio Day; Skip the Straw Day; Curling is Cool Day; Diesel Engine Day; International Stand Up to Bullying Day; National Banana Bread Day; National Dog Biscuit Day; National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day; National Play Tennis Day; National Tile Day; National Tootsie Roll Day.
Tootsie Rolls were our go-to treat as children – Santa always brought Tootsie Rolls for our stocking! I’ll go with that. God bless…
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