Last Tuesday I flew out with my Mom, Dad and youngest sister Kari to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend my Grandpa's funeral. It was a neat experience and I am so glad I got to go and support my family. The day before the funeral I had the privilege of going to the mortuary with my Mom, Uncle, Aunt and Grandma to see Grandpa and make sure he looked just as Grandma wanted him to. It was nice to be able to say goodbye to him before the actual viewing the next morning. I could feel that Grandpa was happy and the room felt so peaceful. It was fun to reminisce and wonder if Grandpa could hear everything we were saying. Grandma kept kissing him on the forehead, then his nose, then his lips. Just as I would get myself composed she would do it again. It was so sweet to watch her say her goodbyes. My Grandpa was a 2nd lieutenant in the Army and so it was very fitting that he was buried on Veteran's Day. The Army guys were there to honor my Grandpa. They performed the bugle call and did the folding of the flag. It was so touching when they presented my Grandma with the flag. And it's my favorite picture I came home with. I love how Grandma is looking so intensely into the soldiers eyes. It was amazing to me how many members of my Dad's side of the family
My Mom and her crazy sisters, Aunt Janet and Aunt Leslie. These ladies make me laugh.
Me, my mom and sister making funny faces on the airplane ride home.
Dad wasn't about to get in on the action, but he gave me this when I asked him to look surprised.
Yes, we can be normal, too.
And this is the goodness I got to come home to. My sweet kiddos made me a welcome home sign and Matt hung it up right before I walked in the door. What a perfect homecoming. How did I get so blessed?
6 comments:
One of my favorite trips was my Grandma's funeral. My sisters and I had so much fun with our family. Grandma was smiling watching I am sure. Glad you were able to go-it meant a lot to your family I am sure.
You guys are so cooky, I love it! How many memories do I have at your house of the girls all going crazy and your dad just watching it and laughing? Or sometimes with that fake grumpy face.
My grandma, who keeps hanging on at 94, says continually that she wants her funeral to be a celebration and a fun time, not a lot of boo-hooing. I think that's the a great way to do it.
Thinking of you. I got to go to my grandpa's funeral a couple of years ago and one of the best parts was connecting with family.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. But what a wonderfully full life it sounds like he had. And I'm so glad you had a good time with your family.
i love the pictures you posted. what war was your Grampa in? My Dad served during the Korean War conflict so his coffin was also drapped with the flag...something that was nice. You look like you had a great time with your fun family
I'm so glad it was a good experience. It will be a great addition to the memories of your grandpa!
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