The Burseman Chronicles: Saying Goodbye

This past weekend we all took a trip as a family to release Dad's ashes to his final resting place in Murrells Inlet. For as long as I can remember, he has made it known that these were his wishes. We just never dreamed that it would be so soon. Carrie set us up with a beach house in Surfside, the town we grew up in and the place (or at least one of the places) Dad still called home. Just being there in a way was very hard. It made me reflect on so many great times and left me wondering, more than ever, "Where does the time go?" It is still sinking in that he is no longer with us and sometimes I don't know how we can go on without him. We had a lot of time to enjoy being together as a family and I'm sure Dad was there with us as we played on the beach and shared many fond memories. The weather was perfect as we made our way into the inlet and I was so struck by the beauty that surrounded me. It was my first time there as an adult and it was immediately clear why this was the place he had chosen for himself. As the boat carried us away from what man had created and toward what God had created, a sense of peace and tranquility came over us. This is one of those rare places that cannot be put into words. Pristine. Breathtaking. In a way it was so difficult to put him to rest - almost like having a whole second funeral. But it was also so beautiful and is something that I will carry with me always.

Seth and Molly enjoying the beach

Dana and Domingo

"Where the ocean meets the sky, I'll be sailing..."

We all took a trip to the Surfside Flea Market, a place we would frequent when we were growing up.

The flowers we chose to place on the water

Molly gets to help drive.

Ashley, Mark and Chase

Seth's turn.

The beautiful place that Dad will always be a part of.

Dana and Sophia

It would be hard not to feel at peace while surrounded by such beauty.

Erika, Molly & Chase

Mark, Seth & I

Each of the children released a balloon for Papa to see from Heaven.

We were looking at balloons and Mom turned to her side to see this black and gold (Steelers colors - Dad's team!) balloon with the words "Always In Our Hearts" on it. I think it was a sign.