Beautiful Funeral for a Beautiful Lady

Last night when I went to bed the wind was blowing insanely hard. This morning when I woke the weather was displaying my mood. It was rainy and melancholy out side. I was very anxious about giving the obituary. Don't ask me why because I don't know why. I just was so nervous.

When we got to the church first thing I noticed was my parents car. Their entire fender had been torn off. I immediately called my Dad to find out what happened. I was so worried because my Mom and Maren were in the car and I knew they both didn't need the stress of that today. Everything was fine, they actually weren't even in the car when it happened.

Once inside it was so wonderful to see everyone and reminisce about Nana. A lot of my cousins live away. Everyone came home for the funeral.

I wonder what it is about the closing of the casket that is so hard. When it was time to say goodbye for the last time it was so sad. I wonder if it is then that you completely feel the loss that you will have in your life. All I know is that it is always one of the saddest moments for me. I really do see death especially in my Grandparents who have lived their lives fully as a happy thing. I am so excited for Nana. She is having amazing reunions with those that have gone before her.

Her funeral service was beautiful. Everyone that spoke did a wonderful job honoring her. She is a very accomplished woman. She is dignified, strong, intelligent, witty, charming, and just amazing in all the things that she did. She has done so much with her life. I have a lot to live up to. I left her funeral feeling that I need to try harder to be the best I can. I could use her patience. She was so determined and accomplished so much. I hope that I can honor her with the way I live the rest of my life.

After the service we came out to a beautiful day. The sun was shining. The air was clean and crisp. The weather was amazing. We headed to the Salt Lake Cemetery. She was laid to rest by my Granddaddy. They are right by where Joseph F. Smith is buried. It is a beautiful place.
I just love this picture. I think it captures my Dad so well. His heart is broken and yet he is so happy for his Mother.




I have a whole lot of cousins. We were big before spouses entered the picture. We are huge now.

Back Row: Jared, *Laura,* Emily, *Daniel, *Brian, Ashlee, *Smitty, *Garner, Julie, *Matt, Erin, *Sarah, Craig
Middle Row: *Rebekah, *Marianne,* Steve, *Melissa, Zach
Bottom Row: Jeron, *Megan,* Michael, *David,* Maren, Ryan, *Mark, *John, Jenn, *Christine, Ben, Joe, *Rebecca, *Suzanne, John
*Rachel and *Abby not pictures (*Cousin)

Look at all those great grand children.
Ellie, JJ, Elsie, Emma, Tara, Kyra, Ian, Eric, Amy, Ellie, Kate, Spencer, Jack, Johnny, Lauren, Ruth, GarnerIV, Lily

I was looking around the cultural hall while we were eating and was amazed that all of those people in there were my family. It was exactly why I want a large family. Nana and Granddaddy were great examples to all of us. Family really is important. I am not close to everyone but I do love each and everyone of them.

Here's to the next generation. It feels a little weird not having grandparents anymore. Nana was the last one. I hope I can make them all proud. Goodbye Nana.