More Pictures of Dad's Funeral

Sorry I don't know how to do a fancy slide show thing, so here are some more.

Dad's Funeral

Today I attended the funeral of our dear friends' brother-in-law. As the wood casket with yellow and orange flowers rolled past us I felt like it was time to write about my dad's funeral. I think most of you that read this blog were able to attend the funeral, but in case you didn't or don't have your own pictures, here are a bunch taken by my sweet friend Raedawn.

It really was a pretty cool funeral. I think (and hope) we did his life justice with the displays, pictures, stories, talks, thoughts, Harley riders, EMT/firefighter honor guard and National Park Service friends and co-workers. It was extremely difficult to get my mom to start planning the funeral. The displays of his things and the pictures were her idea. Luckily my uncles volunteered to scan the pictures and make CD to be used at the viewing. I am eternally grateful for my extended family for helping immensely through it all. I volunteered to do the life sketch thinking that would be the least hardest because it is just the facts and dates of his life.It was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do ...... I'm not really sure what I was thinking. Sherylen begged me to sing with her and I really REALLY RRREEEEAAALLLLYYY did not want to and told her no, but duty and responsibility won out and I gave in. We talked Jen into singing as well while we were driving to Heber to meet my aunt with yet more pictures to scan. Jim did not want to speak either, but my mom has a way of talking him into things and I think that duty and responsibility probably won out for him too.

My aunt mentioned something in one of her letters a couple of weeks after the funeral. She said that one good thing that could be said of the whole tragedy was that we were brought closer together as a family. How true that statement is. So many prayers were given on our behalf, so many hugs and I love you-s said that I think for maybe a short time I felt what it was like to be in heaven. Where all my family was around me with so much love and support to offer. I really do believe that our family support system carried us through the whole ordeal and is still carrying us.

Ramblings

As I am having a hard night tonight I thought maybe writing something about dad would help to lift the sorrow. I was thinking what a horrible way to die it was for him. And how I know that he wanted to grow old like his dad and watch his kids, grand kids and great grand kids run around his yard playing and having fun all while he presided over them as patriarch. Just satisfied to give a few pokes and tickles to whoever may venture close enough for him to reach; or tease a grand daughter about her new boyfriend. He loved his parents and I think he wanted to continue in their footsteps. Someone wrote a nice letter to me and said that maybe our loved ones can be of more help to us on the other side, but I don't see how that is possible. I am still selfish and want him here with me. I hate the thought that he suffered. I hate the thought that he was scared. I hate to think what might have gone through his mind in those last few seconds of his life. I am sure they were thoughts of mom. As he always trying to take care of her.

I remember that when Brandon asked dad if he could marry me, dad asked Brandon "do you really love her?" But who can honestly love someone as much as a father loves his children. I know my dad loved me. I have never once questioned that in all of my life. I'm sure he wasn't happy with some of the choices I made, but I never wondered if he loved me.

All-Stars

This year in the 8U division (8 years old and younger for those of you that don't know softball lingo :) they decided to make 2 all-star teams. Maddie made one of them. I am so proud of her. Oh and in case you are thinking "wow- they start em young in G-ville"; it is a coach pitch league. So no, the girls do not pitch to each other.
They had their first tournament this weekend in Tooele. They won 1 game and lost 3. Not a great start but they all had fun and kept asking when their next game was. Next up, Riverton on July 16 and 17. Wish her luck if you see her.