Yes, COVID, private mourning and learning to cope delayed things.
About 100 or so showed up, from as far away as CT to next door neighbors, we swapped stories, reminisced, met other people who were blessed by knowing him.
It was really a celebration of life.
Which is as it should be. I'm glad that it was friendly meeting, not too full of sorrow. The private mourning goes on. It eases, with time, but I don't think it ever ends.
Yes, I lost two people very close to me in 2020 and we were unable to have proper funerals for them or even be with them to say “goodbye.” One did have a small funeral, but COVID rules dictated that only ten people could show up in person and he had a huge family. They did live-stream the funeral and graveside service, so that was something.
I’m glad it turned out to be a celebration of his life. That can be quite a healing event, or at least very comforting.
Again, my sincere condolences.