More on my Uncle Vance

Here is an article from the San Bernardino Sun on my uncle's memorial.

http://www.sbsun.com/sanbernardino/ci_8469689?source=email



Also, Shawn posted the pictures I took at the service on http://www.shawnandmarisa.com/. Click on Photo Gallery near the top of the screen.



I was in complete awe of the service Wednesday. My uncle would have probably been a bit embarrassed by how big everything was. They even shut down the freeway for the funeral procession which seemed to go for miles. The service itself was so beautiful with various fire chiefs, captains, etc. speaking. Everyone had wonderful things to say about the dedication and passion Vance had for his role as a firefighter. My cousins did so well, better than I think I could have. Caryn even got up and spoke at the service. I told her there was no way I could have done that. She's amazingly strong. She's definitely a Tomaselli woman. I was completely taken aback when the helicopters flew overhead with one veering off to the right as a symbol of a lost firefighter. That was really hard to watch. Of course, I cried through most of the day. I had to take Inara out of the church a couple times when she started getting a little cranky. I was able to get her to sleep, which was rough because I was holding her in an awkward position and couldn't reach my kleenex. Oh well. I just let the tears flow. The slide show they did really got me because there were pics of Nana and Paka which made me super sad. I miss them SOOO much!!! It's hard to imagine my uncle now being gone. Like I keep saying, I hate growing up because life gets harder and harder. Oh if I could only stay a kid. Ha ha. One last bit of sad news: my uncle's house was broken into some time on Wed. The police are guessing it was probably during the morning when the service was held. The burglars stole a big jar of change and two chainsaws. My cousins haven't figured out what else was missing yet. You know, it just goes to show how crappy people can be. My poor cousins have been through enough these past two weeks and now to deal with this. I just keep telling myself what does not kill me only makes me stronger. Ain't that the truth?