Papa's Memorial

It was a sweet moment - and a sad moment.   So wonderful to have family from the T and P side there to celebrate Gpa.

I took photos (yes, in the chapel - shame on me, so kick me out).   It was sweet to see my uncle Keith give Gma a kiss and tease her.  

It was tender to see my Dad with Gma talking to her and then leaning over with tears running down his cheek while leaning on her shoulder.

And then the reunion of Jaley's childhood best friend.  She missed seeing her Bama.

It was heart wrenching to see Jaley realize that her Gma didn't remember her.  Dementia is a horrible disease on everyone.   They were best friends ever since she was an infant and remained that way for over 10 years (with nearly 8 years of constant visits due to living so close).   So many fun times they had (sleepovers, play dates, tea parties, make up parties .... exactly what I did with her when I was growing up!!).   

The tears flowed with this realization ... and didn't stop for a long time.   

Jaley sat by Bama the entire time and held her hand through most of the memorial service. 

  

Gma remembers the memories, but the grown up faces are hard for her to place.

How wonderful it felt to hear Gma say, "Ahhhh, John!" when he walked up.   Some faces never change, and his was one that didn't need a memory boost for her.

The military presented a flag to Gma.   

I took pictures - the angle was difficult from where I was standing outside.   It was still so very moving.

They played Taps for Gpa

My brother, Richard, gave a moving tribute and talk about Gramps, grandparenting and our own Gethsemane.  

He then sang a beautiful hymn, Where Can I turn for Peace (one of Gramps' favorite hymns and it is Richard's favorite as well).  

My Dad gave a wonderful eulogy and tribute as well.

Kerst and Jenna sang a duet, I Know that My Redeemer Lives.   I have that audio as well.

President Kenneth Robinson spoke as well.   

President Robinson after the service

He is a good friend of Gma and Gpa's and the former Chicago temple president.   He would visit Papa weekly and bring him a chocolate covered donut with hot chocolate.  They also made trips to Wendy's for their chili.  I loved how he used the imagery of a ship  - Just as we stand on the shore and watch the ship with loved ones sail over the horizon and we say "there he goes," others on the other side of the horizon say "here he comes" and he is greeted with tears of joy.

Afterwards we gathered in the foyer for pictures.   It was fun to see the kids shake hands and tell Gma who they were.   

Jenna knelt down next to Gma and talked to her and then you hear "Aahhh, Jenna!"   ... her memory came back.  

Jaley was there with a glimmer of hope her childhood best friend would remember.   She saw Jaley and told Jaley how beautiful she was.   She beamed through her flood of tears.

Viewpoint from my Mom:
Grandma would comment on all of the little boys....years ago it was all of the little girls.

The grandchildren flocked to greet her.   It was touching.

The boys, Kerst, Max, Kendall, RIV, Carlisle, and Sam were close to the front.   Many boys flanking her on the right and girls on the left.   Sweet Jaley was right next to her.   When the Air Force did the flag presentation, you could hear a pin drop.   Their presence and bearing was electric.   When they folded the flag, you could HEAR the fabric snap.   They were erect, wore impressive uniforms including white gloves.   Sharp, crisp, serene.

From where I was sitting, I could see the organist, Clayton Waite, an elderly man who was at his post at the organ, crying his eyes out.   The taps were played and the sound seemed to echo in my mind as the other soldier stood in front of Grandma with the freshly folded flag.

The flag presentation was before the service began.   Bishop Wright opened the service with a lovely teary prayer by Corin, then we sang America.   Perfect after the military presentation which was scheduled to be after the closing prayer, but the military men had another obligation 30 minutes away.   So Bishop Wright consulted Dad and the change was made to before the Service began.   The Stake President had given permission to do the flag part in the chapel because of Grandma's frail condition.   The taps was played outside by the open door.

The talks were great.   Richard's was very personal and tender...Dad was to do the Eulogy with a couple of personal touches.   He wrote it on Wed, Typed on Thurs and practiced on Friday....He sat in Gramps old car to practice.   and on his bed and on his chair....He didn't want to read it .   President Robinson's ...well what can you say about a former temple presidents talk.

Gramps had requested that Richard sing ...he came through...very solid yet touching...what a proud mommy I was!

Kerst and Jenna...beautiful

Grandma made it...that was great and kind iffy that she would be up to it.   But she did.

So wonderful to feel everyone's support.