Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.

Today we gave my Grandmother's body back to the Earth. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.

The service itself was quite nice. Somehow I ended up being in charge of all the pallbearers. Probably because I was getting inpatient with the people at the funeral home and wanted to get our direction so everything went smoothly. They wanted us there an hour and a half early so we could get direction but they didn't tell us anything until 20 minutes to the service and that's only because I tracked the funeral director down.

That's something I get from my father. When things need to get done and no one seems to be able we step up to the plate. I'm beginning to wonder if he's not getting tired of it and wishes someone else would take the reins for a while. I guess that's where I'm going to come in.

My Grandmother was born in 1920. Just after the end of the first world war. Just think of the things she's seen in her life. When she was born she probably didn't have electricity. The depression was going on. Everyone was poor.

She saw cars take over the roads. Aircraft evolve from paper and wood to rockets that could reach the stars. She went from a time where you had to work for everything you had to a time where everything is given to you.

I see it all to often these days in the kids I have working for me. No work ethic.

And that's why my Grandmother came from a greater generation. A generation where values meant a lot more.

A couple of years ago, when southern Ontario and parts of the US were completely blacked out, know one knew what to do. All the luxuries we take for granted were taken away, but she relived the first part of her life. No TV. No radio. No air conditioning.

And that's what this whole funeral thing is about, isn't it? Not just saying goodbye but to remind ourselves of what life is all about. What really matters. I came to this realization over the last few days. And it got me thinking about that horoscope from the day my Grandmother passed away. You can read it on my April 4th blog.

I am just as guilty as everyone else. I get so pissed when the TV guide on the digital box isn't working and I have to skim through each channel individually, which is stupid because we don't have a digital box on the TV up stairs so I have to skim through those channels and I don't complain. I complain when there's no more hot water for the shower. When my microwave dinner that says will be ready in five minutes is ready in 10.

Lets face it. We all get worked up over the stupidest things. And what happens in the end is we hurt those around us. We make ourselves sick.

But back to the horoscope.

"It is a great day to put into action one of those ideas you've kept simmering on the back burner for so long. You can make something happen and embark on a whole new journey. Take advantage of the possibilities that are all around you."

Maybe this whole experience is going to give me the strength I need to move forward. The strength to go after what I want out of life. I do have ideas I've kept on the back burner. Now is the time to take that journey.

Gramma. You lived a long and full life. You raised 9 fantastic children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. You've seen things we can only dream of. You grew up with an appreciation for what it means to be alive that has been lost on many of us today. You were a great person and loved by many. I hope I've made you proud and continue to make you proud as I start my journey. I'm sorry it took your passing to make me realize what it truely means to be alive.