the Charette's

Monday, December 30, 2013

Al's funeral

Albert David Charette 3/6/1927 - 12/26/2013

left side is the back of the funeral card, right is the cover of the card

The funeral was held at the Steele Chapel in Longview. At the hospital the night Al passed away, Jeannette told Sue she wanted the pastor who had brought Al and Jeannette to Christ 50 years ago to pastor Al's funeral. This seemed like an impossible task tracking down someone they had not seen in years and had no idea how to even get ahold of him. Obviously Al and Jesus had a part in planning this because at the hospital, just shortly after Jeannette made her request known a man approached Sue and introduced himself as Pastor Don Kennedy's son... the very same Don Kennedy that had brought Al and Jeannette to believe in Christ 50 years ago. He just happened to be at the hospital visiting someone and noticed the Charette name.

Mark had the pastor's wife read something he wrote for the service. Jason also, had her read something he wrote the night we received the news...
"To Dad:
From the words of my son when I tucked him into bed and we prayed that night we received the news.
Dear God, you will be receiving a special gift tonight into heave. amen

What a powerful statement and I couldn't agree with him more.

My dad "AL" wasn't one that I played catch with in the back yard, that was left to my close siblings Fran, Sue and Mark. Well, Mark mostly (Fran and Sue kinda throw like girls). But that was ok because no matter what I wanted to do, whether it be in sports, school or life he supported me 100% and has the trophy to prove it. This trophy wasn't for me or about me, it was a symbol of who my dad and mom were and still are to this day. This is how they support all their kids, grand kids and great grand kids. Always with 100%. This trophy of course is the greatest fan award that was presented to them during my senior year for being the best fans to all their kids achievements and successes throughout their high school careers.

We have lost a great man today, but the great memories we cannot forget from his belly full of jelly laugh, more than you can shake a stick at, numb in the head (which my wife has adopted) and of course meet my 5 brothers. He could always make us laugh.

The only regret I have is that you, dad will not get a chance to meet my second son, even worse is that he will not get to meet you. That's ok though dad, we have memories and pictures, but most of all the character that you have instilled in me that makes me the man I am today will be passed on. These genes, traits and this character is the best trophy you could give and I wear them proudly on my sleeves every day and incorporate them into our daily lives.

I hate to see you go dad, but your in a better place and thank you for spending one last Christmas with us. I will see you soon... I love you...

Your Son,
-Jason"

Kevin, Jason's nephew also made a beautiful slide show for the funeral. He had asked the family to send any pictures we had of Al to him for the slide show, which of course I sent tons. Over half the slides in the show came from pictures I had taken over the 14 years I've been with Jason. After watching the slide show Jason actually thanked me for taking all the pictures. I may have annoyed everyone with my constant picture taking over the last 14 years, but at times like this everyone is grateful for those pictures. I think I'm the only person in the Charette family who carries a camera and documents every event.

Albert and Jeannette's wedding picture

Al served in the U.S. Navy. At the end of the funeral service the Navy did a 21 gun solute to Al. They also served Jeannette a U.S. flag. Connor got a bit concerned when they fired the guns in the air because he was afraid they were shooting up towards heaven where Grandpa was. We had to explain that the gun fire was to honor Grandpa and a way of saying Thank you for serving in the Navy and that the bullets would not go up to heaven.

Al's favorite candy (which he always had on hand) is Werther's Original hard candy. At the reception held after the funeral each table had a beautiful flower and hand full of Werther's candy.

Dawson (the newest Charette, Zach and Megan's son), Frann and Connor

Connor wanted to make sure everyone got a piece of Grandpa's favorite candy. So, he collected all the pieces off the center of the tables and went around handing them out.

Connor and Sue

Connor giving Grandma rides down the hall. Everywhere we go Grandma tells Connor to sit on her walker and she gives him a ride... so this time Connor thought he should give Grandma a ride, which she enjoyed.

Jason, Connor and I at Grandma's house after the funeral

Frann and Sue's family came back to Grandma's apartment to visit after the funeral.

Connor showing his Incredible Hulk.. which apparently includes sucking his tummy in. I love the look on Jason and Fran's faces. I don't think they like his bony little flex

Connor doing his "Hulk Smash" voice along with the flex. This got a huge laugh... especially from Jason who is rolling with laughter.

Justin, Cameron and Sue

Connor taking Justin down with a Fireman's carry wrestling move

Justin taking Connor down. Connor loves to wrestle! Jason and Connor wrestle every night. I have a feeling Connor is going to follow in his dad's foot steps and wrestle all through elementary, middle and high school.

Connor sitting in Grandpa's chair. After everyone had left it was just Grandma, Connor, Frann and myself sitting around visiting (Jason went over to Sue's house). After a while Frann said bye and was walking out the door when Connor (still sitting in Grandpa's chair) says "Good Bye my sweet heart." Frann immediately froze, turned pale white and came back in. Those are the exact words that Grandpa used to say to Frann every time she left. This is the first time Connor has ever said that and he's never heard Grandpa or anyone else say that before. This brought tears to all our eyes. Connor was seriously channeling Grandpa's spirit, more than once today he's done something just like Grandpa. After Frann left for the second time, she called 10 minutes later from home in tears again and texted Jason later about it.

The American flag and gun casings from Al's funeral.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Longview

Two hours after we arrived home from spending a week in Longview for Christmas we got a phone call that Jason's dad, Albert had passed away. We were so grateful that we got the chance to spend the last week visiting with him. We had a great Christmas at Mark's house on Christmas Day and met Sue at Al and Jeannette's apartment that evening. Jason and Sue walked Al and Jeannette up to their apartment, while I stayed in the car with Connor who was fast asleep. After a short visit since Al and Jeannette were both tired from a long day of socializing with family, Jason gave them each a hug and left with an "I love you." That's the last memory Jason has with his dad. The following morning we drove the 6 1/2 hours back home and received the phone call from Sue 2 hours later. Bright and early the following morning we loaded the car and drove back to Longview. We spent the next 5 days staying with his mom, Jeannette at their apartment.

One of Jason's fondest memories as a kid growing up is when his parents were awarded this trophy. His parents went to every single one of his games! No matter where it was located they went to support their son and cheer him on. The coaches were so impressed they awarded them the parents trophy for being "wrestling fans of the year."

Jason is in the front row, second from the right

Connor snuggling with Grandma. Connor is such a sensitive, sweet kid. Every once in a while he would randomly notice that Grandma was feeling sad and stop what he was doing to go give her a hug.

Jason and Jon. Just prior to Christmas Jon asked Al and Jeannette's permission to marry their daughter, Sue. Of course they were excited and said yes. And Jon was so excited the following day he purposed to Sue. We're looking forward to their beautiful wedding this summer and another chance to visit with family.