Today was Grandmas's funeral. We were up and out of the house by 9 am. The funeral was very nice. My mom and her 3 sisters spoke, as well as my Uncle Holly. My cousin Casey gave a history of Grandma's life and Ashley read the obituary. The adorable grandkids sang "I Am a Child of God", and some of the 12 grandchildren in attendance shared memories of Grandma. Some made us laugh and some made us cry. My brother Adam's rendition made me laugh and cry, at the same time. After the service was closed, we all headed to the cemetery where my Grandpa, and our son Thomas are buried, as well as some other relatives.
This is my mom and her 3 sisters- (L-R) Mom, Launa, Lynne, Jan
My sister Lori and Aunt Launa
Jared and Austin looking sharp in their suits.
Ashley with some flowers she picked from the many arrangements. They were really beautiful. Grandma loved pink and there were huge pink roses in the bouquets and her casket was a gorgeous silver/pink color.
Thomas' grave is near Grandma and Grandpa's- it was almost 8 years ago that we lost him. Thankfully, twin brother Austin has been perfectly healthy and thriving ever since he was born 10 weeks early at 2 lbs 2 oz. He will soon celebrate his birthday and be baptized.
My brother Adam and his wife Amy (on the far left), cousin Levi and his wife Amy (middle), cousin Matt and his wife Bobbi (on the right).
After the cemetery, we headed back to Grandma's stake center (the church near her house) where kind members of her congregation had prepared a big meal for all the family members and friends. I have been on the other side of this service, so I know how much work goes into it, but now I can say I have learned what a great blessing it is. After such a long day, especially with small kids, it was so nice to go back to a warm meal and relax. The kids ran around the gym and got all their wiggles out.
After they ran around for about 40 minutes and looked completely disheveled, the aunts decided they wanted a photo of all the Great-Grandkids. It was not easy to get them all together in one group, but we got a pretty nice photo. Only little Mattie was missing- home with a babysitter. That's what smart parents do with their 2 year old! Grandma would have loved this picture with all of them.
Then it was all the Grandkids' turn for a photo. It's too bad Andrew (my younger brother) wasn't here b/c we aren't quite complete... but with his autism there is no way he could have handled such a busy day. He was at school most of the day.
Overall, it was a beautiful day outside and the service was lovely. It is nice to know that we've put Grandma to rest and she is now with her husband and other family and friends on the other side. Love you Grandma.
6 comments:
I was thinking about you today knowing that you were with your family at your grandmothers funeral. It sounds like such a lovely service. I love it when i can laugh and cry at the same time! How nice it must have been to have so many members of your family there.
I always feel a little weird taking pictures at a funeral but when I look back at them I am so glad to have them. You have some nice ones.
I'm thinking of you!
I think a funeral where you can laugh as well as cry is a great success.
Great documentation of your busy day.
What a nice post. It sounds like it was a beautiful day. I love mixing emotions like that--laughter through tears. Your post made me cry. My grandma has been having major health problems lately. How grateful I am for the understanding of the gospel to keep things into perspective.
watching you and Jared at the end with Thomas broke my heart. How grateful I am for the plan of salvation that you will get the opportunity to raise him. Love you.
It was a big day, but a wonderful chance to celebrate grandma dot's life.
What a great way to celebrate your grandma! I bet she was laughing and crying right along with all of you.
I am sorry to hear about your Grandma. I am glad the service went well. It's such a blessing to have a testimony of The Plan of Salvation. It's easier to put things in perspective.
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