The reunion none of us wanted to happen

Today I returned to my hometown for the services for Scotty, my soccer-playing classmate who passed away two weeks ago.  I was dreading it, as one would.  I wish so much I had asked Andrew to go with me, but I knew he really didn't want to.  As I left, the first song that came on Pandora was John Denver's "Take me Home, Country Roads", followed by Patty Loveless's "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye?"  Wow.  The last song playing as I pulled into the driveway was Garth Brooks "The Dance".  The music got me today.

There were so many people there that it was so wonderful to see.  So many classmates, especially from those soccer days.  Those guys were special.  Our soccer coach was there.  Parents of classmates.  Oh goodness, it was son wonderful to see so many people, but as I said to many, it was the reunion none of us wanted to have.  The parents of my sister's classmate who passed away 2-1/2 years ago were there, and I'm sure it was tough to have to see everyone gathering.  One classmate mentioned how he hated these things since his dad had passed, which was 32 years ago right after we graduated.  Scotty and I were working together that summer and I remembered how devastated Scotty was that happened.  The whole thing was awful and beautiful all at the same time.  I couldn't bring myself to stay for the actual service.  I'm beyond drained as it is.