Saying Good bye to Grampie
Gram and Dad were the first ones out. They were the ones that needed to be out, but the rest of us were close to follow. Breakfast was something quick, there wasn't time for doing something fancy, munch then change. Of course the plan was to not sit until we left in fear that we'd get Ceasers hair on our clothes. Well, we were a little ready for it. We grabbed a lint/cat hair roller and took one with us.
The hard part wasn't entering the church, but walking through toward Gramp, and everything setting in. Dad had greeted us at the door of the church to help mom. Walking down the hall and seeing Gramps pictures and the memorabilia. Turned the corner and there was the viewing room. Gram, Tirzah and Joi were all standing next to the casket, and there was Grampie laying there so peacefully in his white. That's when the tears started falling.
There was meeting of so many people, some familiar others not so much. All of Grams sisters and her brother with their families. There were other ward members, care takers at golden living, neighbors and friends.
Maybe close to eleven or a little after is when it officially started. There was the family prayer done by Gram's brother. After that is when we all got the chance to say our last good byes to Grampie before they closed the casket. Again, one of the hardest things and we were all crying. No one wanted to say good bye really, it was just so hard.
I'd say anyone who walked up to say good bye didn't walk away without crying. Once everyone was done, they put on Gramps white hat and closed the casket. Then it was pushed into the chapel where the service was. The proceedings went well, Tirzahs life sketch, Alyssa playing, the Grandchildren's memories, Joi's tribute, Brother Gunn's talk, and then there was the all the stops musical number done on the organ that Gramp had wanted. After that there was the closing remarks done and then all the Grandchildren came up and sang "I am a Child of God."
Then there was the drive to the Cemetery. We had planned the day before who was going to go in what car. The programs had a map and directions from the Church to the Cemetery for anyone who wanted to go. I was in Tirzah's van along with Jenna, Gram, Tanya, Marion, and Tirzah. We were following the carriage carrying the casket and I guess everyone else was following us.
There were the pallbearers waiting for the rest of them to show up. Gramp had requested that his fathers flag was used for his service, and that is the one they used. The National Guard was waiting for us at the Cemetery, and as the car pulled up they saluted. It was awesome. There was the flag ceremony where they folded the flag on top of Gramps casket, which we viewed and I guess while everything else was going on they folded the flag that Gramp had deserved for being a medic in the Navy.
The pallbearers were asked to put their corsages on the top of the casket. It was a nice ceremony, and after that was done Marion dedicated the spot to Gramp as his final resting place. It was a little surprising that we got to see the lowering of the casket, if we had known I don't think the car arrangements would have been as scattered. Mom, dad and Joliene wanted to see it happen, I don't think anyone realized we were going to.
Once that was done each of the cousins had the chance to drop a rose into the grave to go with Grampie. We were also allowed to have one of the roses from the bouquet to take home and keep.
Once all of that was done, we were headed back to the church, they had prepared a lunch in for us. It was nice, but didn't seem like a real lunch. It was more of a before and after type thing, soups, and a salad, and then desserts of all sorts. It was so nice though, to catch up and talk with those family members that we haven't seen in forever. While I was in line to get the food I was actually invited to go skiing, well, not just me but my family, but for me at least, I need to learn how first.
It seemed to be a long day, and not quite over yet. Everyone was discussing that after the lunch in that well, they were still quite hungry. We were talking on the way to the cemetery passing a bunch of food places that it would be nice to go out and eat. Of course, there were five people in the car, and an total of about 20 of us, need to make sure everyone else didn't have plans for other things.
After some discussion it was decided that we were having dinner at P.F. Changs, they do family style and have a gluten free menu. So everyone went home first. Changed out of those tights and nylons that we don't like wearing, and the shoes that were killing me. While we were waiting for everyone Joliene was having some fun. She was already changed went upstairs with her ipod and in the living room started dancing and singing with it. Okay Joliene, if you want to.
Again, everyone kind of showed up in shifts. The Shirleys had to come get a person or two at Grams since there weren't enough seats in her car for all of us. I guess it was who ever was ready first were the first ones there. I don't know if we did the best planning with it, but we may have double ordered, and well everyone had their own preferences, I want this, but don't like that, and of course there was a few...what is that? Ended up pretty good, with lots of food, and even left overs. Yum!
This long day, I think it may be over. Exhausting as it was and all glad that we can get some sleep now. Good night.
Comments