The Memorial for Allen M. Starrett, Jr. -- Letting Go

Chris, Ian, Ruby, and I went to NJ for the weekend for Allen's/Pop Pop's memorial service.  We made the trip in record time, 3hrs 32min from Glen Allen to Haddon Heights.  Chris was so ecstatic with the pace we were making on the trip that he could barely keep the pedal to the metal.  It was a busy weekend but the memorial service and boat trip to deliver his ashes offered peace of mind.  The memorial service was lovely and I was touched by the outpouring of support for Shirley, Chris, Allen, and the rest of the family.  It really is remarkable that the Starretts have not lived in Haddon Heights for many years but they are still so well-loved.  It was a tribute to the man Allen was and the whole Starrett family.  Another special tribute was to have the American Flag at half staff in honor of Allen.  Allen served as a police officer and volunteer firefighter in the town of Haddon Heights. 

The memorial service was great because friends and family got a chance to greet Shirley, Allen, and Chris.   Then we had a prayer, and tributes to Allen by Bob Starrett, his brother, Allen Starrett III, Chris, Tim Daly, his friend/colleague, and Shirley.  There was a lot of laughter and some tears but it was a great time to celebrate Allen.  Chris did a great job with his comments and he looked so handsome in his suit.  Christine and I were trying to keep the rowdy grandchildren in line while they were speaking.  Of course, the kids were being entertained by books about trains, race cars, and airplanes.  Pop Pop would've approved of the books but probably not the behavior.  A few memories stand out:

• 10 Starrett children seated in the board room chairs of the Haddon Heights Borough Hall
• Allen's grandchildren (minus Grayson) forming an impromptu train in front of Allen's ashes
• The changing of the guard at Allen's ashes, so special
• Hearing about Allen's wonderful sense of humor and the funny "one liners"
• Ian picking up Pop Pop's ashes and holding them and Christine and I couldn't get to him fast enough.  We were afraid he would throw them or drop them.  Yikes! 
• Bob, Allen, Chris, Tim, and Shirley's remarks about Allen
• Ruby seeing that Mom Mom was crying and climbing into her lap to cuddle with her.  My sweet little comforter, I am so proud. 

We enjoyed a lovely reception at the firehouse.  Chris's cousins, Carl and Lisa, prepared and served the food and everything was so delicious.  Ruby enjoyed seeing the "firefucks".  She kept asking to see them and I couldn't help but laugh at her pronunciation.  I enjoyed seeing the photos of all 3 generations of Allen M. Starretts photographed on the walls of the firehouse. 

Chris, Ian, Ruby, and I then drove "down the shore" to go to the Wildwood NJ boardwalk.  Chris's cousin and his family joined us and we really enjoyed riding the rides and hanging out on the boardwalk.  We also got to hang out briefly with Chris's uncle and his family.  I really enjoy the boardwalk, it is just so full of life and excitement.  Interestingly, Ian wasn't as excited about riding the rides, except for the train he rode 3 times.  He mainly wanted to play those expensive games.  Ruby was willing to go on whatever we took her on.  We stayed out until midnight or later. 

Sunday morning we got up early and went to the Stone Harbor marina to prepare for the boat ride to Allen's favorite fishing spot in the Stone Harbor Bay.  I loved the boat ride and so did Ian and Ruby.  It all just felt so peaceful.  Shirley put the ashes in the water and we all scattered flowers.  We said our goodbyes to Allen/Pop Pop and watched as the biodegradable urn sunk in the water and the flowers scattered and floated away.  As I heard Chris tell his friend, "We let him go."  And it was good.