Finding the voice

I drove down to Ohio to attend Granma's memorial this weekend. DRove dwon Friday during the day and made record time. Woke up Thursday morning, had a cup of coffee and then drove to Bellfower, MO for the memorial. It was a small church, and by the time the service started, it was filled to overfloweing with friends, relatives and acquaintences who had been, ion some way, touched by my grandmother.
During the service, she was describe as the glue that kept out family together. This is not an untrue fact. She kept everyone notified of birthdays, anniversaries, and miscellany. She was no gossip hound, but she kept everyone in the know about everyone else's goings on.
I went down expecting to sing one song. I ended up singing three throughout the service. I was happy to sing them It seemed only proper. Granma couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but she sure appreciated good music. I sang for her, carefully choosing who to look at, as I knew I couldn't break down until after I was done with the last song, 'I'll fly away.' I managed to keep my composure until I was done,then I collapsed on Cathryn's shoulder. She took my burden, and cried with me. I love my daughter.
After the service, we had a dinner at my parent's church. Many people came for the dinner and fellowship, and I made sure to thank each and every one of them, as well as the wonderful people who put the dinner together for my mom and dad. I wanted them to know that their kindness had not gone unnoticed. I was proud that I could sing for my Granma's services. She was a wonderful woman and touched many lives.
After we got back from the cemetery, I went to the river with Cathryn and we skipped rocks before the sunset. Then we headed home and said our goodbyes to Mom and dad before heading home.
The trip back was awful. My butt hurt from sitting down so much. Then I wasn't paying attention and got on I-55 Northd for 45 minutes before realising I was going the wrong way. An hgour and a half late, I was back on the right road, but not happy about it.
Today I got up, returned the car, then went to Chorus practice for solo tryouts.
I landed the solo that I wanted. I'm so increadibly proud and excited thattI canhardly contain myself. Cathryn told me to try out for this solo. I did, and I got it.
I can't say what it is, because I want it to be a surprise for all the people coming to see it, but I can say it's an 80's TV theme, and one of my favorites. :)
I'm so lucky to get it. I'm lucky to be a part of this wonderful chorus. I just wish Granma woud've stuck around to hear it. But I know she's listening.

I can't sing I'll Fly Away anymore.
It's Granma's song now.

I love her so much. She knew that, and that's all that matters.

______________________________________________________________

I'm back in Ohio.
Where I belong.

Thanks for everyone's kind words/thoughts/prayers/love.

You are all my friends, and I'm proud as hell of each and every one of you, whether I've met you or not.
Thank you.