Farewell Papa

A few nights ago the phone finally rang with the call we had been waiting for. Jeff hung up and said, "Papa's finally gone." He had been ailing for quite awhile and we all knew it was time. I have found that no matter the relief that comes from knowing that a loved one is no longer in pain, it does not make the deep ache of missing them going away.

Because of the timing, the funeral was scheduled very quickly, which resulted in Jeff, Leah, Jared and I being on a plane to Salt Lake on the Sunday night before Thanksgiving.

In our church, we have few that work for the church full time. Jeff's grandfather was one of them. As a result, we were blessed to have some very spiritual men attend the viewing on Monday night, including the prophet of our church, Thomas S. Monson. He even gave Jared a high five. I know that this is something our kids will never forget.

The next day, the funeral was the most amazing church meeting I have ever attended. Jeff's Uncle Ron gave a beautiful eulogy. Papa's wife Annie spoke with strength and love which amazed us all. Jared was asked to sing a son written by Jeff's grandmother. There was not a dry eye in the house. For a mother, it was an amazing and heart-wrenching thing to watch my son continue to sing beautifully through his tears. (Audio recording is below.) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, spoke. He addressed Jared directly - another moment that Jared will never forget. Jeff's cousin Catherine wrote a beautiful post about the day too.

Jared singing "The Baby Jesus"

Jared and Leah at the cemetery. Sweet Jared with his tear-stained cheeks.

All sixteen of Papa's grandchildren were there.

We feel incredibly lucky that we were able to visit him and Annie this past August.