Remembering

A year ago today I got a random and kind of shocking phone call from my dad that my Grandma had died. I was like, "What?" It's still incredibly sad to me that I lost my remaining 3 Grandparents by the time Claire was 1 1/2. Who wants to go to a funeral before their 6 week post-partum check? Here's some video footage of my maternal Grandparents. She said to wear yellow at her funeral. So we did. So weird...last October she was just having a blast watching Claire walk around for the first time. Claire didn't walk until the end of September and so when we went to see her in October, it was the first time she was able to see her walk. It was kind of ironic, as both Vernon and LaVerne were depending more and more on their wheelchairs. At our last visit, LaVerne was just laughing and giggling in the way that she did, commenting how by this time next year, Claire would really start talking. And boy, was she right. CLAIRE.LIKES.TO.TALK.!!! I think the hardest part was that Vernon was expected to go first and was in poor health, whereas LaVerne was pretty much fine and died of a sudden heart attack or stroke. So I was just thinking about that today and how fast and fleeting time is.

Mt. Horeb

We planted black-eyed Susans by my Grandparents' grave in Mt. Horeb. They wanted to have their children's names on the back of the stone.

It's ok to cry.

These are some random memories and thoughts, which I jotted down in the car (on the 8 hour ride!) and shared with everyone at the Funeral service.

• He loved travel.
• He loved driving.
• He loved exploring and hiking.
• He loved being at The Lake, swimming, and boating.
• He loved singing hymns and going to church.
• He loved buttery mashed potatoes and juicy meatloaf.
• He loved oatmeal raisin cookies with just a little hint of cinnamon and a glass of milk.
• He loved serving his country and serving his Lord.
• And he loved all of us in this room, even if he did not have the best of abilities to always express it.
• BUT, most of all, he loved LaVerne, his wife of over 58 years.
• They died about 4 months apart, or 139 days to be more exact.
• They only had one set of winter holidays apart, but never had to spend an Easter or wedding anniversary apart.
• So, I can just see them now--at the Old Country Buffet (their favorite restaurant) in heaven with a big plate of desserts and no worries about how healthy it is.
• I just wanted to say that it's ok to laugh at a funeral, and of course, it's ok to cry, too.
• Because when we cry at one funeral, we cry for all of those who have gone before, and for those yet to come. And it's not ok to cry at a funeral, I don't know where it would be. So instead of telling someone not to cry in the future, tell them "It's OK to cry" instead. Because after all, tears will wash the pain away --

Memories

In Loving Memory

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I've now found peace at the end of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen your
pain with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee,
God
wanted me now-He set me free.

Vernon's Funeral with Military Honors

Car ride to the funeral:



Unloading the casket:



Setting the casket up:



Graveside prayers:



Gun Salute and Taps:



American flag folded:



Flag given to family:

Pictures of Flowers

Pictures of Pictures

Our Family loves pictures all around! Here are some pictures of the poster boards various people made for the funeral. I made the one on the bright yellow board.

She said to WEAR YELLOW!

I'm planning on wearing a pale yellow sweater set to the funeral on Saturday. I once had a discussion about wearing black to funerals with my Grandma. She told me when she died, to please wear yellow to hers. I said, no! That would be odd and I'd look out of place. She said that black was a sad color and we should wear yellow as a funeral is a celebration of life and that she would be with Jesus and that would be happy...I have a yellow polo for Josh and a cute yellow dress for Claire so please spread the word to wear yellow! :) Thanks! Maria