Bye bye Dad

Yesterday was my dad's funeral at the Clovis Funeral Chapel. I think he would have been pleased with how it turned out. I was freaking out because the night before I pulled an all nighter attempting to create a slideshow to show at the service. I am completely computer illiterate, and it was NOT working. Then my computer crashed. All I have to say is thank God for good friends. Aaron's bff, Anthony (who was also the Best Man in our wedding) rescued me. He came over and after hours of messing with it, he got it onto a dvd! I am oh so greatful! But before he came, I had a break down. I screamed, cried, threw things, and then laid on the floor. I am 24, and didn't think it was still possible to throw a tantrum like a 2 year old. But it happened. The stress was too overwhelming. So there were over 250 people there and all of the seats were taken. Many people had to stand all along the back and along the walls. It made me feel good to know my dad had so many friends. I am happy to be back home though. For those of you who don't know me, I have some good ol' white trash in my family. Before my dad was even dead, his crazy old sister went into his house and cleared it out. Everyone tells me I should put up a bigger fuss about it because I am the next of kin, but honestly, it is just stuff. I have gotten so much from my dad in my life, that I am not going to fight with people over possessions. I was "allowed" to go in there and get a few things though. I got his table (so ugly) but he was so proud of it. It was one of the first peices of furniture he ever purchased. I also got his pijamas and his softball bag. I know that sounds weird, but I loved my dads pjs! My dad was all about the comfort. Everytime I went there, I would put on his clothes and he would get mad that I wouldn't give them back before I left! And then the softball bag....that was just our thing. He never in my life, missed one of my games. He was my biggest fan. I wanted to share the obituary I wrote for my dad, and first let me say that I cannot believe how much those things are! $745 bucks, for an obituary! What the heck!

George Edward Downs
GEORGE EDWARD DOWNS George was born on July 24, 1956, in Miami, Florida, and went to be with the Lord on August 19, 2008. He was a 1974 graduate of Sierra High School in Tollhouse, Ca. George owned and operated George Downs Roofing, Inc. for several years. It was one of the most reputable roofing companies in the central valley. George was known for his infectious smile and his gift to gab. One of his favorite past times was gambling. If he didn't answer his cell phone, he was either on top of a roof, at the casino, or at the race track! He enjoyed riding his Harley up to Shaver Lake and loved to fish. Everywhere George went, he ran into someone he knew! He was well known and loved by many. George's personality was simply one of a kind, and he lived by his own set of rules. As George would put it, 'I did it my way.' George was preceded in death by his father, Edward Downs. George is survived by his daughter, Brittany Downs-Ibarra and her husband Aaron; daughter, Dena Amador and her husband Ryan; daughter, Janie Daughtry; son, Nicholas Cesena; his mother, Peggy Downs; sisters, Jeanette Dollar, Judy Downs, and Peggy Jean Smith; grand-children, Reagan and Aiden Amador; as well as his niece and nephews. George will be greatly missed by many of his life long friends and extended family. A Memorial Service will be held at the Clovis Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in George's memory be sent to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

I will love you and miss you for the rest of my life! Love always, your favorite girl! ~B