Poppas Funeral

There is something magical that happens at funerals. I am not sure I can put my experience into words but I do want it recorded so here goes.

Poppa didn't really look like himself. Since he had such a large bruise on his face from his fall they had to put on lots of makeup to cover it all. He look almost wax like. It was so good to see everyone and to catch up. Most of the grand kids were there and lots of people who knew Poppa in New Zealand came, that was neat.

During the opening hymn the New Zealand choir started singing in Maori. It was beautiful and it made me cry. I knew how much my grandfather loved to sing the hymns and I could picture him really enjoying the music.

My Aunt and Uncle gave beautiful talks about his life. I heard stories that I hadn't heard before and some that I had. It is fun to look back on a life so richly lived and so richly blessed. The New Zealand choir got up to sing a traditional Maori song and it was beautiful. I was pretty sure I could hear some strong male voices in the back of the room and turned to see who it was... no one was there. I wasn't the only one who heard them. :)

One of Poppas good friends who was a missionary in New Zealand when Poppa was a Bishop spoke about the atonement. It was a beautiful and heartfelt talk. One thing I will walk away with from this day is that my grandfather has a strong testimony of the Gospel and he was very faithful and very strong. It is good to know where it all started and how we should be living our lives.

The closing hymn was beautiful. I could hardly sing as tears streamed down my face. I again heard the men singing in the back. I again looked to see who it was. I could see Poppa sitting with his eyes closed and a big grin on his face. I think he would have been very pleased.

It was a little strange not to go straight to the grave site but since he was being buried in St George it was just time to mingle and eat. Lots of people to talk to and to enjoy. It was great to see people who I know Poppa loved and touched. He truly was a great man.

We almost went to St George for the second funeral but that meant we would be leaving Spencer on his birthday. We heard that funeral was beautiful as well. How could it not when you are celebrating a great man.