The Burial

My grandpa passed away Memorial Day weekend in his sleep. It has been strange, surreal you might say. I have been in denial of his leaving us. It wasn't until his burial one week ago today that the reality set in for me. Grandpa is gone. He was stubborn, he was honery, he was sometimes even mean... but I loved that man. He made me laugh at some of the things he would say. When I was getting ready to leave to serve my mission my grandpa told me that when I got back he would "tell me the truth about the Church". He was very proud of his posterity. He was proud of having 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren (by the way, 4 of those great-grandchildren are my kids). He loved us all in his own special way. Grandpa wasn't much for frilling things up, he told things as he saw them.

When we arrived at the burial we were about 7 minutes late. Had we not been stuck behind a construction truck going 20 miles under the speed limit for several miles and then run into a pretty bad accident site where we were delayed, we would have been on time. When we got there and I saw that the service was over my heart ached. It was like somebody took a dagger to my heart and twisted it around. I began to sob uncontrollably. For the first time I realized grandpa was really gone. I was disappointed that I was late... if only we had left earlier and beat the accident... if only... but I know my experience was perfect. I finally grieved the loss of my grandfather. I was able to just let it all out.

Death is such a strange thing for me. He is simply taking the next step in life. I know his spirit still lives. I know he is learning much. I know his eyes are being opened to so much truth. I just don't get to see him for a while. Grandpa, I love you. I will see you on the other side and we will talk of truth and rejoice at our reunion. Be open. Your Father in heaven loves you. Your Savior, Jesus Christ loves you. I am sure you are very aware of His love for you. Until we meet again, I bid you farewell.