caseydog - all I can say is, “Families, huh?”
Good luck with the service. If it’s appropriate, I’ll share a little memorial service humor.
I loved and respected my FIL immensely, and I always knew he cared a great deal for me, because unlike his other long-term SIL, I have a good sense of humor, and I was always up for anything he wanted to, and we both had sort of a gusto for food and drink. Nothing against the other SIL, he’s very solid, just an unimaginative type.
My FIL passed somewhat rapidly/unexpectedly, and we all gathered to help my MIL with all the planning, as she was in the beginnings of dementia and wasn’t really capable.
We had his memorial service, then the obligatory luncheon at the church later. When we walked into the dining room, there was MIL, her daughter and SIL, and their two grown kids. We walked over to join them.
With MIL’s dementia, she was apt to blurt out whatever was on her mind, regardless of how it sounded, and as soon as she saw us, she reached for my hand, gave it a squeeze, and very loudly said, “Oh, Tasty! You know Buddy always did love you the best! You were his
favorite!”
I actually felt bad for my BIL and all their family just having to stand there while my MIL told me that, but it was also kind of funny.