Saturday August 1st, 2009 was my grandpa's funeral. We drove up Friday morning and had a nice evening with family. Jared, my cousin, cooked hot dogs for everyone. Instead of getting a hotel room Monty had the great idea of having the kids sleep under the stars. The boys LOVED it. When my grandpa was a little boy he spent the summer sleeping under the stars. After one night my boys are ready to keep the tradition alive!
While Monty and the boys slept in Saturday morning Trey and I enjoyed some good old Captin' Crunch Berries--Grandpa's favorite cereal. Growing up we knew when we went to Grandma and Grandpa's we could count on having Captin' Crunch. To this day it's my favorite too. I loved having it for breakfast. 
After breakfast we got dressed and headed for the chapel. We had a family viewing and grandpa looked so good. Upon arriving to the chapel I was full of emotion. I knew walking into that room would confirm that it was all really happening. Walking into that room had to have been one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. However, looking at grandpa in that state I had a feeling of peace. He looked so peaceful and it was the moment for me when I realized he was no longer in his body. He was in a happier place. 
The funeral service was wonderful. Full of emotion, but wonderful. My dad and uncle spoke about grandpa and I was filled with a greater love for him as I heard more about his life. Eddie Peterson, a cousin of my dad's sang 'How Great Thou Art' and did a wonderful job. I know my grandpa loved it. After the Funeral we all drove to the cemetery and participated in the final ceremony. Erik, Jared, Ryan, Andy, Dustin, Craig, and Monty were the casket bearers. It was neat to watch my brothers, cousins and husband preform this service for my grandpa. 
My grandpa spent a majority of his life in the Army serving in both WWII and the Korean Conflict, so he was honored with full military honors. The 21 gun salute, the playing of taps, and the presentation of the flag. This was an amazing thing to behold and one that my grandpa deserved. I was so thankful my boys were able to witness it. 
I thought my grandpa's final resting place was beautiful and my cousin did a wonderful job dedicating the grave.
Grandma was such a trooper the whole day. The night before I watched her roll her hair and thought of her courage rolling her hair for the funeral of her husband of 65 years(66 next week). She is a true hero. She's taken such great care of grandpa while he's aged. She nursed him in their home up until 6 months ago when he became too weak to live at home. Then she faithfully went to the hospital everyday to talk to him and feed him. I admire her for her hard work, dedication and love to her eternal companion.
We had to leave shortly after the funeral because of some church obligations on Sunday, but I'm so thankful for the chance to have been there. It was truly a blessing. Just before leaving I wanted to get a picture of my family with Grandma! This was her first time meeting Trey! She loves kids and is so good and kind to them.
This was the most emotional weekend of my entire life. My first great loss, but I can honestly say the Holy Ghost was with us. We all felt it's comforting influence. I love you grandpa and can't wait to see you again.
While Monty and the boys slept in Saturday morning Trey and I enjoyed some good old Captin' Crunch Berries--Grandpa's favorite cereal. Growing up we knew when we went to Grandma and Grandpa's we could count on having Captin' Crunch. To this day it's my favorite too. I loved having it for breakfast. After breakfast we got dressed and headed for the chapel. We had a family viewing and grandpa looked so good. Upon arriving to the chapel I was full of emotion. I knew walking into that room would confirm that it was all really happening. Walking into that room had to have been one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. However, looking at grandpa in that state I had a feeling of peace. He looked so peaceful and it was the moment for me when I realized he was no longer in his body. He was in a happier place. The funeral service was wonderful. Full of emotion, but wonderful. My dad and uncle spoke about grandpa and I was filled with a greater love for him as I heard more about his life. Eddie Peterson, a cousin of my dad's sang 'How Great Thou Art' and did a wonderful job. I know my grandpa loved it. After the Funeral we all drove to the cemetery and participated in the final ceremony. Erik, Jared, Ryan, Andy, Dustin, Craig, and Monty were the casket bearers. It was neat to watch my brothers, cousins and husband preform this service for my grandpa. My grandpa spent a majority of his life in the Army serving in both WWII and the Korean Conflict, so he was honored with full military honors. The 21 gun salute, the playing of taps, and the presentation of the flag. This was an amazing thing to behold and one that my grandpa deserved. I was so thankful my boys were able to witness it. I thought my grandpa's final resting place was beautiful and my cousin did a wonderful job dedicating the grave.Grandma was such a trooper the whole day. The night before I watched her roll her hair and thought of her courage rolling her hair for the funeral of her husband of 65 years(66 next week). She is a true hero. She's taken such great care of grandpa while he's aged. She nursed him in their home up until 6 months ago when he became too weak to live at home. Then she faithfully went to the hospital everyday to talk to him and feed him. I admire her for her hard work, dedication and love to her eternal companion.We had to leave shortly after the funeral because of some church obligations on Sunday, but I'm so thankful for the chance to have been there. It was truly a blessing. Just before leaving I wanted to get a picture of my family with Grandma! This was her first time meeting Trey! She loves kids and is so good and kind to them. This was the most emotional weekend of my entire life. My first great loss, but I can honestly say the Holy Ghost was with us. We all felt it's comforting influence. I love you grandpa and can't wait to see you again. 
6 comments:
Im glad it all went well and that the boys had a memory making time. I am truely sorry for the loss, but know that with great loss there is also great gain.
What a lovely tribute. I'm glad you were able to make it to the funeral, even though it was a quick trip.
Kristin your photos truly captured the whole weekend. it was very emotional and full of love. Everyone was glad that you guys could make it. Thank you for sharing these.
i loved your pictures and thank you for yoru sweet 'tribute' to him on your blog..i didn't take one picture..can you email me a copy of a few of these? love you guys and were so glad to see you..proud to be your family... love you..
Great post, not sure why I didn't see it before. :( It was a great weekend in every way!
Beautiful post! I love the picture of your grandma leaning into your Dad for support. Its neat the boys could see the 21 gun salute in honor of their Great Grandfather.
Post a Comment