Mom had a busy few days making phone calls, making arrangements, organizing flowers, programs, obituaries and all, but finally, Friday at 9:00 a.m. we had Dad's viewing. It was in the Relief Society room of the Hillcrest Stake Center. So many family from all over, ward members, MTC friends, Paradise friends and missionary friends showed up. He looked peaceful and the mortuary did a good job of making him look like Dad. You couldn't tell that the left side of his face was mishapen.
I was surprised by Bishop Smith, Loralee White, Jacqueline Romney, and Tonya Boswell showing up. It totally suprised me, and made me happy to have that support. We followed his body into the chapel and the meeting began. Kim did the family prayer. David gave the opening prayer. Heather and I did the eulogy. Becca and Anne played a piano and violin duet (Becca on the piano, Anne on the violin). April did a tribute. Matthew gave remarks and then the grandchildren sang "A Child's Prayer." Richard, and Stewart gave remarks, and Mom and Dad's bishop gave a talk. Brad said the closing prayer.
Mom's Relief Society had a lunch afterward. It was a great time to chat with old friends. The Morins, Sherril Stevens, Krysti Wright, the Talls, Sister Crabtree, Sister Standing, The Larsens and Brittans, (I can't even name all the wonderful people from home). So many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It was so nice to be surrounded by all these wonderful people.
After all was over, we went back to Mom's where we were going to spend the night and then take off early the next morning for Mesquite, but our plans changed. We heard a storm was coming, so we hurried and got packed up to head to Mesquite that night. We got on the internet and got a motel room and then took off.
We got to St. George around 10:00 and settled in. The next morning, we were able to take our time heading to Mesquite. We got there pretty early, around 11:30, but it was so cold and rainy. We went to the ward building to keep warm and wait. We changed into clothes, set tables and just hung out. Around 1:00 p.m. (Mesquite time), we went to the cemetery. The coach was there, and by the time our family got under the canopy, it was time to start. Nathan, Carson, William, James, Spencer, Brandon, Cameron, and Jared were the poll barers. Uncle Don dedicated the grave.
We went back to the church and Aunt Geri, Maggie, Marta, and Gina had prepared a wonderful buffet. It was very relaxing to be able to visit and mingle. My cousin Christina (from the Hagberg side) had traveled from Las Vegas with two of her kids. Cousin Tony's son and wife, Mike and Ilonca (sp?), were there as well as others you would think would be there. I met my dad's missionary companion "Woody," and it was very nice.
That night, our family, along with Heather's, went to St. George and stayed in Aunt Joan's beautiful Condo. Our kids had a great time and we all reseted very well. We cooked hamburgers on the grill and watched some movies we had rented. The next morning we went to church, cleaned up the condo, and then headed home in beautiful weather. We got home around 6:00 and readied ourselves to get back into the daily grind.
Today was almost normal, but Chelsie did stay home from school. She slept most of the day, so I don't know if she really wasn't feeling well, or if she was just worn out from travel and maybe some emotional stress from losing grandpa. I am not sure.
Thanks to all the kind words, plants, notes, and meals. I have been overwhelmed by facebook remarks and kind deeds and people's concern for me and my family. I hope I remember to do the same for others in the same situation.
P.S. Maggie, how did I do?
I was surprised by Bishop Smith, Loralee White, Jacqueline Romney, and Tonya Boswell showing up. It totally suprised me, and made me happy to have that support. We followed his body into the chapel and the meeting began. Kim did the family prayer. David gave the opening prayer. Heather and I did the eulogy. Becca and Anne played a piano and violin duet (Becca on the piano, Anne on the violin). April did a tribute. Matthew gave remarks and then the grandchildren sang "A Child's Prayer." Richard, and Stewart gave remarks, and Mom and Dad's bishop gave a talk. Brad said the closing prayer.
Mom's Relief Society had a lunch afterward. It was a great time to chat with old friends. The Morins, Sherril Stevens, Krysti Wright, the Talls, Sister Crabtree, Sister Standing, The Larsens and Brittans, (I can't even name all the wonderful people from home). So many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It was so nice to be surrounded by all these wonderful people.
After all was over, we went back to Mom's where we were going to spend the night and then take off early the next morning for Mesquite, but our plans changed. We heard a storm was coming, so we hurried and got packed up to head to Mesquite that night. We got on the internet and got a motel room and then took off.
We got to St. George around 10:00 and settled in. The next morning, we were able to take our time heading to Mesquite. We got there pretty early, around 11:30, but it was so cold and rainy. We went to the ward building to keep warm and wait. We changed into clothes, set tables and just hung out. Around 1:00 p.m. (Mesquite time), we went to the cemetery. The coach was there, and by the time our family got under the canopy, it was time to start. Nathan, Carson, William, James, Spencer, Brandon, Cameron, and Jared were the poll barers. Uncle Don dedicated the grave.
We went back to the church and Aunt Geri, Maggie, Marta, and Gina had prepared a wonderful buffet. It was very relaxing to be able to visit and mingle. My cousin Christina (from the Hagberg side) had traveled from Las Vegas with two of her kids. Cousin Tony's son and wife, Mike and Ilonca (sp?), were there as well as others you would think would be there. I met my dad's missionary companion "Woody," and it was very nice.
That night, our family, along with Heather's, went to St. George and stayed in Aunt Joan's beautiful Condo. Our kids had a great time and we all reseted very well. We cooked hamburgers on the grill and watched some movies we had rented. The next morning we went to church, cleaned up the condo, and then headed home in beautiful weather. We got home around 6:00 and readied ourselves to get back into the daily grind.
Today was almost normal, but Chelsie did stay home from school. She slept most of the day, so I don't know if she really wasn't feeling well, or if she was just worn out from travel and maybe some emotional stress from losing grandpa. I am not sure.
Thanks to all the kind words, plants, notes, and meals. I have been overwhelmed by facebook remarks and kind deeds and people's concern for me and my family. I hope I remember to do the same for others in the same situation.
P.S. Maggie, how did I do?
3 comments:
Shannon, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lesley, Thanks so much for your kind words. You are a dear friend!
Thanks for sharing all the details. I was so bummed that we just couldn't make it up north for the actual funeral. Even though it poured rain it was still good to be with you all at the cemetary. Seriously.... can we ever get together without it being a family funeral? That is my hope.
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