Hi, it's Sabrina here, Bebe to most of you "dear readers". Aunt Sue asked me to write about my dad's funeral for those who were unable to be there. Dad was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with a full military funeral on July 18. His grandsons were going to be the pall bearers but since he was retired and a decorated veteran he was given the priviledge of active duty Air Force men and women to be his pall bearers. I had never been to a military burial before and was deeply touched by how honorable it was and how much my dad deserved it. After they folded the flag and gave it to Mom we said a prayer and they played "Taps", fired 3 rifles and gave Mom the 3 spent shells, representing Duty, Honor and Country.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us through this very trying time. We had visitors from as far away as Washington State, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon, North Carolina, and Sprinfield, MO. We had a wonderful dinner at Ding and Shelly's a few days after the wake, delicious food donated by so many of our great family members and friends for our "Celebration of Norman's Life" at Tubby Hall on the day after his wake, many flowers, cards and donations to charities in Dad's name. The number of people who came to the wake was incredible. I heard from a few people that there weren't even any parking places left in the lot at the funeral home. At the service on Friday, Aunt Rose said one of the most touching eulogies I have ever heard. Thank you Auntie from all of us Abbotts. Your message was perfect. Also, a special thanks to those who stayed with Mom - she so needed the company. Thank you Aunt Maudie, Sandi, Cyndi and Tammy from way out west and thank you Debbie, Joe and Sandy from Kansas. Also thanks Sally and Larry who came and stayed with her from Kansas. And thanks to all who prayed for Dad when he was in the hospital. As hard as all this is, we know he's in a much more beautiful place. Peace and God bless.