This is the day that created our trip. We drove to Indiana to celebrate the life of Leslie H. Gumbiner. It was a day to be with family and remember how Les touched all of our lives. There would be tears, hugs, laughter, and quiet times. Les would have wanted it that way.
The day started with breakfast in the hotel's breakfast area. Family gathered at different times as they woke up. Some ate before they got dressed for the memorial service while others were ready to go. Les would have wanted it that way.
We headed out to Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service. The Gumbiner family was from northern Indiana. Les and Arlene were both from Crown Point where Robin's parents lived. In fact, Robin learned, after all of these years, that Arlene lived behind Robin's parents long before Arlene and Les got married. In fact, when Arlene was a little girl, she remembers Robin's mother bringing she and her friends cookies. These memories were flowing through Robin's mind as she thought about meeting family members, many were only names in her mind. It was time to put faces to names. Les would have wanted it that way.
One of Les' friends, Howard, told the story about going to a Cubs game with "The Gumbiner Boys." There was a total of 4 (Howard, Bill, Les, and Howard's brother, Ronnie). They stopped at White Castle and bought 100 hamburgers. Howard insisted he only ate 4. The other 3 ate the rest! Now, "The Gumbiner Boys" were big boys, but do the math. We were amazed, but couldn't help but laugh just imagining the scene. Les would have wanted it that way.
Another White Castle story...David and 3 of his friends from work went to a Cubs doubleheader. Of course, they each bought 50 burgers! Understand, that was 50 burgers EACH - 25 for each game, 2-3 per inning! "The Gumbiner Boys" can eat! Sharing of stories made our hearts happy. Les would have wanted it that way.
There were many other funny stories, but the White Castle adventures topped the list. All Robin and Dean could think about was how much Les would have loved being right in the middle of the storytelling. He would have added many, many more. The bubbly mood would have become even bubblier. Les would have wanted it that way.
Nathan gathered up the reins and closed the service. There was lots of mingling and talking before the crowd started to dwindle. Robin met one cousin, Don, that she had only heard his name. It turns out, he and his wife spend time each year in Florida. We decided we would have to get together one of the next times they are here. Les would have wanted it that way.
Arlene had planned a luncheon at Innsbrook Country Club. The room was beautiful and overlooked the golf course. The wait staff was so hospitable. There was a great buffet with lots and lots of food. Remember there were still 2 Gumbiner boys there! It was nice to visit more with family, especially in a quiet environment. Les' sister, Sarah, caught up with Robin. They were close in age growing up, yet they lived far away. It was nice meeting her family. We were allowed plenty of time and didn't feel rushed to leave. The weather was cold outside, but the sun was shining. God was smiling down on us, warming our day of celebration. Les would have wanted it that way.
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| David, Avery, Katie, Krysta |
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| Rachel and Rebekah |
Robin and David had talked a lot about the different cemeteries in Merrillville. Les' mom and dad (Les and Mae) were buried in one and his grandmother(Vera), aunt and uncle (Madell and Bud) were buried in another one. One was on the way to the hotel. David and his wife, Debra, Sarah, her son, Adam, and her friend, Lisa, Arlene and her daughter, Laura, Kenny and his girls, Rachel and Rebekah, and Robin and Dean all drove to Calumet Park Cemetery. Les would have wanted it that way.
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| Aunt Mae (Les' mother) |
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| Uncle Les (Les' father) |
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| Sarah, Dean, Adam, and David |
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| Debra and Laura |
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| Arlene, Lisa, Rachel, Sarah, Rebekah, Kenny, David, Dean |
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| Arlene, David, Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah, Kenny, and Dean |
We left the cemetery and went back to the hotel. Everyone changed clothes and chilled out in the lobby for a few hours. We continued visiting and reminiscing about family stories. There were lots of laughs and giggles. Les would have wanted it that way.
Finally, it was time for dinner. Reservations had been made for Abuelo's next door. Robin and Dean knew it was convenient for the family crowd so went even though it was Mexican food. We found something to eat, but really enjoyed the chips and dessert the most. Again, visiting with family and friends was much more important than food. Our party took up the whole back half of the center room. Kenny, Les' younger brother, made this meal his special treat. Everyone had a wonderful time. Les would have wanted it that way.
The day had been a wonderful celebration of Les' life and his devotion to family. We wouldn't have missed this chance to celebrate the wonderful person we knew. He will be missed, but he will also be remembered for all of the laughs and humor he brought to everyone's faces. Each of our goal should be to learn from Les and make all of our family and friend's lives a little happier and more enjoyable. Les would have wanted it that way.
Arlene has so much strength. She is a rock to all who know her and love her. She will go on with Les in her heart and soul. Les would have wanted it that way.
