Grandpa's Service

Because of my accident this summer I was able to spend a few weeks at home, which gave me the opportunity to spend almost everyday with him while in CA. I am so grateful that life worked out that way.
My last memory with my grandpa is one I will never forget. I was soon to return to UT and something inside of me told me it would be my last time to say goodbye. In his last few months to get his attention you had to get close to his face and say, "Grandpa!" Once I got his attention I looked in his face and said "Goodbye, I love you". He looked at me and with his gentle hands he patted my cheeks and stroked my hair, as he often would, gave me his little smirk and said, "Goodbye, I love you too." It was difficult walking away after he said goodbye. I don't know if anyone noticed the tears in my eyes, but I knew that would be the last time I would feel those gentle hands, hear his soft voice, or be touched by his trademark smirk. Two and half weeks later he passed on.

This is called a "nitch"- this is where my granpa's urn is placed. A granite stone will go over it with his name and a tribute to him.

He was given a proper military burial.

Me, Ian, Sequoia, and Kyle

This is the entrance of the Cemetery.

It over looked to ocean off the San Diego harbor. - Right at home.

Grandpa was buried in a Veteran's Memorial Site. It was the most beautiful place I have ever seen to have some one buried. I couldn't think of any where better for my Grandpa to be.

Here we all are in front of where my grandpa is going to be placed. I can't wait to go visit the site when I go back home.

I loved being home- the best part was being with family. Ian flew down from Boston. I haven't seen him for 9 months, so it was wonderful being with him as I miss him dearly as he is so far away. The actual funeral service was beautiful. My dad gave the Eulogy, us kids with Sequoia sang: "Nearer my God to Thee" (they convinced me to sing- that was the scariest thing I've ever done), us kids made a DVD about my grandpa and showed that at the funeral, Ian played "The Lord's Prayer" on the piano, Mark Larson gave a military tribute to my grandpa, and the bishop said a few words. I miss my grandpa, but we keep reminding ourselves that we will see him again and that he is better off now without all his pain. I am so grateful to be his granddaughter- what a lucky girl I am!