ERS

In Switzerland for Edith Schaeffer's funeral, stopping in Lausanne to see her one last time, then made my way, by request, to Michael & Jack's school to take pictures. Spring was in full bloom, with magnolias, daffodils, forsythia.

 Continued along the lake to La Tour de Peilz, where Mrs S had an apartment, frequenting the nearby Italian gelato man.

 

The medieval church of Gryon, tucked up the mountains, where spring hadn't arrived - a late snow was due the next day - when Edith Schaeffer's funeral would occur.

  The beautiful interior altar with frescoes of the four apostles marked by traditional symbolism.

Alpha and Omega, the stretches of time, and an individual's life.

 

Udo spoke in French and English. The reception followed, where we'd set up tables the night before and decorated with Edith's tablecloths, platters, family photos.

 

An exceptional florist.

These carved out loaves, the interior bread made into tea sandwiches. Nice.

Guestbook. ERS's parents (top left) in their Chinese wedding gowns. Michael's drawing (right).

The next day's design.

Son-in-law, John, with daughter, Becky, and granddaughter, Kimberly, played Corelli.

 

Soon after, ERS would cross the ocean for an American service in St Paul, to be buried alongside her husband, in Rochester.

 

Carrying the coffin - not escorting it alongside a trolley - feeling that weight going down the aisle, hit home; we were burying her.

After 29 years, Francis' container, a double plot, was visible. We followed the Jewish custom, inviting everyone to shovel dirt in the grave, until filled.  She was gone. And we are mortal, awaiting resurrection.