May 17, 2011
Dad's Memorial Service. What an incredible day. The weather forecast called for rain all day. It was cloudy and overcast, but the rain held off until later in the afternoon.
The service started at 11:15 a.m. Mom, my brother and his family, and our children and grandchildren all gathered together and sat in a circle around Dad's grave on lawn chairs and blankets. My brother delivered the same message he gave at the honor guard service. His message is recorded in my next entry.
After my brother finished speaking I gathered all of our grandchildren on one of the blankets. I showed them pictures of the casket and pictures of the casket in the ground. I explained how the family picks the casket out; that only the outside part of our body dies; and how our souls (the part of us that thinks and feels) doesn't die. We talked about how sin started with Adam and Eve. We talked about how we are all born with sin in our hearts. We talked about why we celebrate Christmas—Jesus being born; and why we celebrate Easter—Jesus dying for our sins and raising from the dead to forgive us from our sins. We talked about what sin is and how when we do wrong things and we ask Mom and Dad to forgive us—they do. We talked about how it is the same with Jesus. When we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins—He does! I told them Great Grandpa had done that, and that was why he was in heaven now. I told them that Nanna and Pop-Pop asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins too, and that someday they will want to ask Jesus for forgiveness.
We talked about how we feel sad when someone dies because we miss them. I told them one of the best ways to not feel so sad was to play "remember whens." Remember when Great Grandpa made those funny faces? We all laughed and they tried to make the face. Then all of us around the circle shared remember when stories of Dad and Grandpa. It was a beautiful and memorable time.
After the Memorial Service, we all went back to Mom and Dad's place. My husband and I picked up Kentucky Fried Chicken like we used to do with our kids for picnics at Grandpa and Grandma's place. We had an outdoor picnic, the grand kids played, and we planted a Rhododendron and Azalea in memory of Dad. And then the rain began. Dad would have loved this day, and I believe he saw it. While my brother was speaking at the service the sun actually came out for several minutes. It was just a beautiful time spent together as family. As I thought about the two different services we held, I realized what the difference was and why this service was so special. Everyone there was in "one accord." There was total unity of mind and spirit.
You are resting in peace, Dad. The godly heritage you gave to us is being passed down to our children and grandchildren. Thank you, Dad. I love you.
Next Entry: Dad's Graveside and Memorial Service Sermon
Dad's Memorial Service. What an incredible day. The weather forecast called for rain all day. It was cloudy and overcast, but the rain held off until later in the afternoon.
The service started at 11:15 a.m. Mom, my brother and his family, and our children and grandchildren all gathered together and sat in a circle around Dad's grave on lawn chairs and blankets. My brother delivered the same message he gave at the honor guard service. His message is recorded in my next entry.
After my brother finished speaking I gathered all of our grandchildren on one of the blankets. I showed them pictures of the casket and pictures of the casket in the ground. I explained how the family picks the casket out; that only the outside part of our body dies; and how our souls (the part of us that thinks and feels) doesn't die. We talked about how sin started with Adam and Eve. We talked about how we are all born with sin in our hearts. We talked about why we celebrate Christmas—Jesus being born; and why we celebrate Easter—Jesus dying for our sins and raising from the dead to forgive us from our sins. We talked about what sin is and how when we do wrong things and we ask Mom and Dad to forgive us—they do. We talked about how it is the same with Jesus. When we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins—He does! I told them Great Grandpa had done that, and that was why he was in heaven now. I told them that Nanna and Pop-Pop asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins too, and that someday they will want to ask Jesus for forgiveness.
We talked about how we feel sad when someone dies because we miss them. I told them one of the best ways to not feel so sad was to play "remember whens." Remember when Great Grandpa made those funny faces? We all laughed and they tried to make the face. Then all of us around the circle shared remember when stories of Dad and Grandpa. It was a beautiful and memorable time.
After the Memorial Service, we all went back to Mom and Dad's place. My husband and I picked up Kentucky Fried Chicken like we used to do with our kids for picnics at Grandpa and Grandma's place. We had an outdoor picnic, the grand kids played, and we planted a Rhododendron and Azalea in memory of Dad. And then the rain began. Dad would have loved this day, and I believe he saw it. While my brother was speaking at the service the sun actually came out for several minutes. It was just a beautiful time spent together as family. As I thought about the two different services we held, I realized what the difference was and why this service was so special. Everyone there was in "one accord." There was total unity of mind and spirit.
Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace, Coming down from the Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.Then later, the best news ever! Our daughter called to tell us their son (our oldest grandchild) told her he would like to ask Jesus in his heart. Our son-in-law and daughter had the privilege of leading their son to Christ. "What a glorious day that will be."
You are resting in peace, Dad. The godly heritage you gave to us is being passed down to our children and grandchildren. Thank you, Dad. I love you.
Next Entry: Dad's Graveside and Memorial Service Sermon
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