Funerals & forgiveness

Backyard football games, hockey on a makeshift snow rink, basketball in the spring and plain old fun that is how I will remember Charles L. Wood (Sr). He was a man I admired as a young teenage girl. He challenged me, encourage me and sometimes even made fun of me but not without an ever present smile.
Yesterday, I went to the viewing for Mr. Wood. I was not sure I would be able to go because the viewings were during my work time and I had a fund raiser at MOSAIC in the evening. My brother, Keith, on Wednesday night told me he had died but really didn't know any of the details aside from the viewing times. At work yesterday I asked to leave for about an hour and I am glad I did. I was blessed.
It has been about 10 years since I have seen Mr. Wood. I had dated (if you call it dating at 14) both of his sons, with Chip being the one I cared about the most. I was a little nervous about going to the viewing because of Chip yet I knew I needed to go. God knew it as well. I arrived and saw Mrs. Wood first and found out that the death was suddenly. He had just come in from running (I think he had a heart attack). She was both surprised and glad I was able to come. It had been such a long time. Next I saw Laurie, the daughter, she told me she was wondering if I was even still in the area and was also glad I was able to come. After Laurie was Jim, he just came over sobbing and gave me a great big hug. Then the awkward moment of seeing Chip after about 20 years. We looked at each other and then he said "Get over here" and we hugged. He was glad I came to support the family.
Chip made sure to tell me to look at the picture collages that were displayed of his dad because I was in a couple of the photos from when we played hockey in the backyard. We walked over to the photos and were able to talk for a little bit. While talking he leaned over and gave me another hug and asked me for forgiveness for him treating me unkindly many years ago. I was a bit shocked and overwhelmed and yes, I forgave him. It was the least I could do. I told him were were kids and I cared about him a lot. He knew that. Another thing he mentioned was that he believed like I do. He & his family started to attend church a little over a year ago. It has given him hope. I was so excited to hear it. Praise God!
When I left the funeral home, I was both sad and glad. Sad because Mr. Wood will be greatly missed and glad because there was reconciliation of a relationship after many years.
Thanks for listening/reading~
Until next time~
Blessings to you~