Grandpa Smith's Funeral
I actually wrote a whole other post on Grandpa's funeral, but it just feels too long and personal to publicly share. So I'll leave you with these thoughts:
There is nothing more important than family.
I love my family!!! I love every single one of you crazies. And I am honored to be a part of the amazing example and legacy that was Grandpa. I hope we can all take a piece of him to exemplify in our own lives to make the world a little bit of a better place. Someday I hope to be the kind of person whom is willing and ready to serve wherever I'm needed. It was a sweet, sweet service.
This life is not the end.
I can't wait to see your giant smile in heaven, Grandpa, and feel your big warm embrace.
^^Newlyweds Jeffrey and Kelsey^^
^^My brother Joe and his fiancé Karmen. Photo bomb by Levi!^^
^^Flowers with which to remember Grandpa Smith^^
^^We left Jed sleeping in the car nearby. So a family picture of just three will have to do.^^
^^They Kelley/Wade gang. There were lots more photos taken of families that day, they're just on other cameras.^^
^^Grandma with Grandpa's sister, Janet^^
^^Uncle Russ with his ladies.^^
^^Courtney and Emily surprised me by being there! It was so good to see them both.^^
^^My Grandma and me. Words can't describe how much I admire and love this woman.^^
^^Sisters Rachel and Necia, both due with girls in about a month!^^
^^Last but not least, all the little boys hanging out and causing fun troubles in the basement. See? Jed really was there.^^
This brought me back to when my Grandpa passed away 2 years ago. He needed to go because, physically (and i'm sure mentally) he was struggling so much. We all drove up to little Soda Springs, Idaho for the funeral and after that weekend I remember leaving with the STRONGEST feeling of the same thing you said - Family is the most important thing. It was a sad time of course, but it was looking back on it, it was such a sacred experience getting to stay up till 3 in the morning with my cousins and my mom and her siblings laughing and crying about all the stories they remembered. No one wants a funeral to bring them together, but its such a honor to be able to be a part of that kind of experience.
ReplyDeleteI hope your family is doing okay!
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jess. I agree that this life is not the end, and I know your grandpa will be protecting you now from the other side. I love the picture of you and your grandmother; she seems like an amazing woman. Sending lots of hugs to you and your sweet family.
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