Zane's grandfather passed away after a long illness. The funeral is on Sunday. I haven't been to a funeral since Nan's dad passed away. I can't believe how long ago that was.

This will be easier for me than that was. I knew Nancy's father quite well and watching her suffer the loss was like losing part of myself. I didn't know Zane's grandfather at all but I know and love his parents and want to go to the viewing as much for them as for Zane and the boys.

It seems Zane already has come to terms with the loss, but if there is any remaining emotions that he hasn't yet faced, he is likely to do so on Sunday. Funerals seem to provide the opportunity to make the death real for anyone still in denial. I guess that's their true purpose -- even more than honoring and remembering the dead. It's the first step towards healing for the family and friends.

I wish I'd known Zane's grandfather. If his son, grandson and great grandsons are examples of the man he was, he must have been something pretty special.